Australia offers a plethora of summer activities. With unbeatable surfing, beautiful beaches and diverse wildlife, what better way to see what Australia has to offer than with a road trip. While there are many terrific road trips in Australia, New South Wales is home to many amazing drives that are worth checking out.

Here is a list of some of the best road trips in New South Wales, that are in Sydney’s back yard. So pack your bags, get your car serviced, and buckle up, because there is a lot to see.

 

Grand Pacific Drive

 

By Diliff – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

The Grand Pacific drive starts about an hour and a half south of Sydney, at the Royal National Park. This drive takes you southern down the coast, passing Wollongong, Shellharbour and ending at Kiama. On the way, you’ll visit the Sea Cliff Bridge, which is an iconic destination within NSW.  The drive has beautiful views and winding roads right along the coast.

Once in Kiama, you’ll have access to many different activities such as coastal walks, the famous Kiama Blowhole Point and the Kiama Lighthouse. Shellharbour is also not too far away, if you’re keen for a visit.

 

Fossickers Way

 

By Mike Beauregard – Flickr: Happy Hobby Hour, CC BY 2.0, Link

Fossickers Way drive one of the older, well known drives in the northern part of New South Wales. This trip is a series of country roads that has hidden treasures amongst the rivers and rocks. As the name implies, the drive is a popular gold and mineral fossicking location.

Along the way you’ll find towns rich with gold rush history. There are 9 member owns in four all within driving distance of each other.  These towns provide many of them offer great recreational areas and hospitality great for the family.  Each stop has different history and activities making this drive truly unique.

 

Darling River Run

 

 

Heading west towards the Outback, this road trip can take up to 7 days and is about 1000km in distance. Although it’s not necessary to have 4WD, it’s important to properly plan your trip because the Outback is nothing to mess with.

This drive is considered one of the most iconic river drives within NSW, stalking the Darling river, running through rich aboriginal history and culture. Although the drive is so long, there are many side roads and short options available, making it easy to take in parts or for the ambitious, can be taken in full.

 

The Greater Blue Mountains Drive

 

By Diliff – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Only about an hour and a half outside of Sydney,  the Greater Blue Mountains Drive takes you on a choose your own adventure style road trip.The drive offers over 18 discovery trails that part from the main route. Each of these trails explores national parks and conservation areas in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. This drive lets you truly explore the Blue Mountains, with countless bush walks, recreational areas, camping, caving and more.

 

Sydney to Canberra

 

By Jason Tong – https://www.flickr.com/photos/sidneiensis/13165243525/, CC BY 2.0, Link

Starting again from Sydney, you will head south towards the thriving capital city of Australia. Home to the National Museum of Australia, the parliament and National Gallery of Australia and many other iconic Australian monuments, this drive will offer rich Australian history.

Taking the Princes Highway to Batemans Bay down the south coast, you’ll pass through historic towns of Braidwood and Bungendore. Canberra offers rich history with its historical buildings and exhibits.