A city famed for its stunning harbor setting and outdoorsy lifestyle, Sydney is a great base for exploring Australia by car. For an adventure-filled drive, relaxing weekend getaway, or picture-perfect road trip with the fam, these 7 routes offer the ultimate escape. From breathtaking natural landscapes to the charming Aussie country towns of the hinterland, there’s something special to discover on each of these drives around Sydney.
7 Epic Road Trips From Sydney You Must Take
1. Grand Pacific Drive
~140 km one way
Duration: 1–2 days
Australia’s best coastal drive south from Sydney features bushland, rugged cliffs, white sandy beaches, iconic bridges, and colorful seaside villages. Drive along stunning coastal scenery past awesome spots like Sea Cliff Bridge, local surfing beaches and coastal reserves, and quaint coastal villages like Austinmer, Kiama, and Ulladulla (with its picturesque lighthouse).
Along the way, you’ll also find iconic spots like the Blowhole and park playgrounds in Kiama, historic Queenscliff, and the beautiful white sand beaches of Hyams Beach at Jervis Bay.
Highlights:
- Royal National Park: picnic areas and bushwalking
- Sea Cliff Bridge: great photo stop along the way
- Kiama: beach, blowhole, lighthouse, heritage walk, quaint cafés
- Hyams Beach: white sandy beach, picnic area
2. Blue Mountains
~90 km one way
Duration: Full day or weekend
Escape the city and drive west to the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Area of deep valleys, misty mountain peaks, lush eucalyptus forests, and towering sandstone cliffs. Head to Blue Mountains town of Katoomba and see the iconic Three Sisters, and explore many scenic walks to picturesque waterfalls including the Wentworth Falls, and Swan and Singfalls in Little Canyon.
If you’re up for an even longer road trip west of Sydney, a detour to wild wilderness of the Wollemi National Park is a must for adventurous hikers.
Highlights:
- The Three Sisters rock formation at Echo Point
- Katoomba and Leura Village: boutique shops, cafes, gardens
- Scenic walking trails to waterfalls
- Scenic World: cableway, skyway
3. Hunter Valley
~165 km one way
Duration: 2–3 days
Drive north along the winding coastal road to Australia’s oldest wine region, renowned for its world-class vineyards, gourmet food and wineries, fun weekend markets, beautiful countryside and unique boutique accommodation. Traverse farmland and bushland, and cute villages perfect for slow travel, so be sure to take your time.
Hunter Valley road trip highlights include cheese and chocolate factories, hidden coves, scenic lookout points, wineries, outdoor concerts and local festivals, plus immersive Aboriginal experiences with the Wonnarua people who once called this land home.
Highlights:
- Renowned wine tastings in world-famous vineyards
- Cheese and chocolate factories
- Weekend markets and outdoor concerts
- Wonnarua Aboriginal heritage walks
4. Port Stephens
~180 km one way
Duration: 2–3 days
Hop in the car and set out for Port Stephens north of Sydney for wild dolphins, giant sand dunes, fun beaches, wineries, gourmet food, and unique boutique accommodation. Visit the towns of Stockton Beach, Foreshore Road and Taylors Beach, which is a popular spot for families.
Explore secluded beaches, have fun on the sand dunes and visit Wallis Lake on a beautiful lakefront peninsula for camping and fishing. In winter, you can even whale watch along this route (best from May–November).
Highlights:
- Dolphin and whale watching cruises
- Sandboarding on the big sand dunes
- Tomaree Head Summit and Scenic Viewpoint walk
- Snorkeling at Fly Point or visiting marine parks
5. Kangaroo Valley & Southern Highlands
~155 km one way
Duration: 2 days
Drive south from Sydney past rolling countryside, rainforests, and rivers to quaint and rustic Kangaroo Valley for a relaxing break in nature. It’s easy to escape the city with this route that winds past historic towns and villages including Berrima and Bowral, picturesque waterfalls (like Fitzroy Falls), parks, rivers and farmer’s markets.
Relax on picnic tables with homemade pies and sausage rolls, find the local brewery and wineries, wander farm trails and past vineyards, and hike past crystal-clear waterfalls and cliffs, and enjoy exploring the diverse natural landscape of Kangaroo Valley.
Highlights:
- Waterfalls like Fitzroy Falls and bushwalking trails
- Canoeing and kayaking on the Kangaroo River
- Bowral’s beautiful Corbett Gardens (with tulips in spring)
- Fresh food and artisan food trails and bakeries
6. Palm Beach & Northern Beaches
~45 km one way
Duration: Half-day to full day
Australia’s most glamorous coastal drive leads north past a series of stunning beaches, prime surfing spots, and seaside towns to chic Palm Beach. In Palm Beach, it’s all about strolling along the white sands for the sweeping ocean vistas or finding a quiet cove or hidden inlet to relax and watch the world go by.
Stretch your legs and rent bikes or walk the scenic pathways, and pick the perfect time to hit the surf or explore secluded coves along the way.
Highlights:
- Barrenjoey Head Lighthouse walk
- Boating or kayaking in Pittwater
- Narrabeen Lagoon Walking Trail
- Prime surf beaches: Manly to Avalon
7. Sydney to Byron Bay (Legendary Pacific Coast)
~800 km one way
Duration: 5–7 days
For the granddaddy of all Sydney road trips, head east via the Legendary Pacific Coast. Follow the Pacific Highway north past classic coastal Australian towns and scenery like beaches, surf meccas, rainforests, and national parks. On your epic coastal road trip, you can stop at so many iconic spots along the way or detour off the beaten path to discover hidden gems. Suggested itinerary stops include Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Noosa, or Gold Coast.
Highlights:
- Newcastle: historic and urban beaches
- Koala sanctuary at Port Macquarie
- Visit the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour
- Byron Bay: lighthouse, cliffs, and the surf capital
Essential Sydney Road Trip Tips
- Check your vehicle and pack essentials. Make sure you have a spare tire, water, first-aid kit, jump starter/cables, and other supplies. Consider packing a car emergency kit, navigation apps with offline maps, and basic tools.
- Download offline maps in areas with limited mobile phone coverage.
- Book ahead for accommodation on busy weekends and public holidays.
- Drive slowly and carefully in rural areas. Watch out for wildlife on the roads.
FAQs
1. What is the best time for a road trip from Sydney?
Sydney has mild weather in spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May), which makes these shoulder seasons ideal for a road trip due to less rain and fewer crowds. Winter (June-August) can also be a good time with fewer crowds and mild daytime temperatures.
2. Are there toll roads in and around Sydney?
Yes, some highways and exit roads use electronic tolling. You can purchase an e-tag (for regular users) or a casual pass like the eMU Casual Pass or LinktGO app (for visitors or infrequent users) to pay for tolls. These typically link to a credit/debit card.
3. Should I book accommodation in advance?
On the popular routes listed (especially Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley and the Legendary Pacific Coast), yes, book accommodation in advance during weekends and public holidays to secure the best rates and availability.
4. Can I rent a campervan for these road trips?
Yes! Campervans are a great way to explore these routes (and longer trips), especially the Legendary Pacific Coast, offering flexibility and cost savings on accommodation.
5. Are these Sydney road trips family-friendly?
Yes, these drives all include stops and activities that are family-friendly, such as beaches, national parks with walking trails, wildlife spotting opportunities, and charming towns with various attractions.
Hit the open road and drive your Sydney fantasies into reality on your next road trip adventure. Bookmark this list, get planning, then get adventuring!
Ready for an adventure? Share your favorite Sydney road trip routes or tips in the comments and inspire other travelers to get exploring!
Click here to find out more
- What are the must-see stops on Sydney’s epic road trips?
- How does the Legendary Pacific Coast compare to other Australian routes?
- Which scenic spots from Sydney to Brisbane are worth a detour?
- What unique activities can I enjoy at Port Stephens and Royal National Park?
- How can I make the most of a short road trip from Sydney to Wollongong?
