As the frigid winter temps fade and spring makes its long-awaited entrance, it’s time to pack away the heavy coats and get back on the open road. NSW has a wealth of exciting destinations and landscapes to offer this season, and with warmer weather rolling in and a long weekend on the horizon, there’s no better time to bask in the magic of the fresh new season. Spring is also the ideal time for travel between the peak summer crowds and the harsh winter cold. Whether you’re drawn to towering mountains, picturesque coastlines, vividly-coloured blooms, or tranquil country roads, there’s a scenic drive just for you. Here are some of the best spring road trips in NSW, showcasing the very best of the region this time of the year.
1. Sydney to the Southern Highlands
A scenic 90-minute drive southwest of Sydney brings you to the Southern Highlands, a region famous for its lush countryside, charming towns, and beautiful gardens, particularly enchanting during spring. There are plenty of places to explore, from the iconic Corbett Gardens in Bowral, where you can feast your eyes on over 80,000 tulips annually during the Tulip Time Festival, to the underrated but equally lovely Southern Highlands Botanic Garden. Meanwhile, the charming Leighton Gardens can be found on the picturesque main street of Moss Vale. Just a bit further, but seemingly worlds away, Berrima offers quaint streets lined with historic architecture and trees, perfect for springtime strolls. For a slightly more hidden gem, head to Lake Alexandra Reserve in Mittagong for lovely river views, a 600 metre walkway around the lake, and colourful spring blooms.
2. Grand Pacific Drive
The Grand Pacific Drive is one of Australia’s most stunning coastal road trips, and it’s especially magical in spring, offering a diverse mix of ocean views, lush rainforests, and charming coastal towns well worth the jaunt off the road. Kick off your spring road trip with a visit to Royal National Park, and stretch your legs on a coastal hike before hitting the road. Next, drive along the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, with unbeatable views of the Pacific Ocean as you wind past Wollongong and Stanwell Park. Continue south to Kiama, known for its famous blowhole and stunning coastal walks. Further along, Jervis Bay is a must-visit with pristine white sand beaches, stunning coastal walks, underrated national parks, and more. Although it’s just a 3-hour route, the Grand Pacific Drive immerses you in some of the best of the Australian coastline.
3. Kosciuszko National Park
For a spring road trip that combines rugged beauty with stunning wildflowers, head to Kosciuszko National Park. Just over 5 hours from Sydney, this alpine escape is stellar all year round, but spring brings a vibrant burst of wildflowers to the park’s expansive meadows and mountain valleys, and the walks are a lot more pleasurable than under the summer sun or winter cold. Hike along the Main Range Track for breathtaking views of Mount Kosciuszko and the surrounding alpine terrain, and you might catch a glimpse of wildflowers like purple eyebrights, yellow billy buttons, and everlasting daisies. The park is also home to Yarrangobilly Caves and the Instagram-famous Yarrangobilly Thermal Pool, where you can stop a while and enjoy a soak amidst native wildlife and scenic bushland views.
4. Blue Mountains
A drive to the Blue Mountains could span just a few hours if you drive straight through, but you should plan on spending the better part of your day here, as you’ll want to take detours to fully take in the wild landscape, fresh alpine air, rock formations, and stunning walking trails. Highlights include the town of Leura, offering charming streets lined with spring blooms, Echo Point for sweeping views of the Three Sisters and the valleys below, with wildflowers like wattle and waratah, and Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah with a spectacular collection of native flowers in full bloom. Away from the well-paved roads, you can explore the region on foot. Local favourite walking trails include the Grand Canyon Track and the nocturnal Katoomba Falls Night-Lit Walk.
5. Riverina region
A 5-hour drive from Sydney, the Riverina region is a hidden gem in spring, where you can see bright golden canola fields stretch as far as the eye can see. A drive through the Canola Trail will reveal vibrant yellow fields of canola in full bloom during spring. Make sure to factor in stops in Junee, Coolamon, and Temora, each offering a slice of country charm and unique experiences, such as the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory, famous for its sweet treats, one of Australia’s most haunted historic sites, the Monte Cristo Homestead, and the Temora Aviation Museum, the place to be for aviation enthusiasts. The weather will be warm enough to allow plenty of exploration, away from the hustle and bustle of it all. The food scene is also delightful, with plenty of high-end and casual cafes and eateries to choose from.
6. Sydney to Grafton
Why travel out of state when the jacaranda capital is right here in NSW? Hundreds of jacaranda trees burst into bright purple blooms in Grafton, and it’s the place to be in spring. The town even has a dedicated jacaranda festival each year. The drive to Grafton takes you through charming country towns and the natural beauty of rural NSW along the way. The weather in spring is pleasant enough for scenic hikes and ancient rainforest views in the nearby Nymboida National Park or leisurely strolls through the charming main street that is full of Edwardian and Victorian architecture, best explored on the self-guided heritage walk through town.