
A road trip in New South Wales will take you everywhere — from towering mountains and stunning waterfalls to storybook villages and secret beaches. With summer in full swing, now is the perfect time to hit the road. Whether you’re in the mood for a peaceful rainforest hike, eager to explore the local food scene, or hoping to discover some of the state’s natural wonders, there is something for everyone on these routes. You will also be surprised at the hidden gems waiting to be found along the way. So pack your snacks, and cue up the playlists — these summer road trips will take you to some of the very best of NSW.
1. Grand Pacific Drive

The iconic Grand Pacific Drive is inevitably where you should start. It kicks off just 45 minutes from Sydney at the Royal National Park and is widely regarded as one of Australia’s best driving routes, it winds through beautiful coastal towns like Kiama, Wollongong, and Shellharbour as well as lush rainforests and pristine local beaches. The entire route is peppered with panoramic ocean vistas, lookouts, dramatic cliffs, and hidden coves. The Grand Pacific Drive ends at Jervis Bay; If you have time, make a point to enjoy a refreshing swim in its crystal-clear waters or go on a coastal walk along its powdery white shores. Start planning your trip with our full guide to the Grand Pacific Drive.
Total distance: 140kms
2. Sydney to Eden

The Grand Pacific Drive may end along the Shoalhaven region but there is so much more to explore along the South Coast. Continue driving and you will enjoy a healthy dose of spectacular swimming spots, cute shops, tiny towns, and the bluest of waters. Some must-do highlights along this route include the town of Bermagui and the famous Blue Pool, the beautiful coastal town of Eden, whale-watching opportunities, stingray adventures at Bendalong Point, the natural wonders at Narooma, and much more. Read all about it and find some of the most incredible places to see along the NSW South Coast here.
Total distance: Approximately 550km one-way
3. The Waterfall Way

The Waterfall Way is a relatively short 3-hour drive but packed with so much to see and do, it feels like a proper adventure. As the name suggests, waterfalls are the star attraction on this trip alongside dense rainforests, incredible scenery, and national parks. Some key highlights on this route include the spectacular Dangar Falls with a swimming hole to cool off in on a hot day, the picturesque town of Bellingen, the beautiful Crystal Shower Falls that you can walk behind, and Australia’s highest town which offers an explosion of colour in autumn. This is one of our favourite summer road trips in NSW with great views and plenty of outdoor adventure waiting for you. Read more here.
Total distance: 125km
4. Forster to Parramatta
Hidden beaches, crystal-clear waters, great surf, and excellent coastal scenery are on offer on this vastly underrated road trip in NSW. Start by exploring the idyllic beaches and lakes in Forster and soak up the views on the Bicentennial Walk, a splendid coast-hugging trail with lagoons and headlands. Another highlight of this road trip is the 400-year-old Grandis Flooded Gum, the tallest tree in all of NSW at Myall National Park. The journey continues through Newcastle, an ideal stop for great food and beaches, before ending at Parramatta, where you can enjoy delicious food from all over the world at Eat Street, wander its vibrant laneways, and enjoy a coffee by the Parramatta River.
Total distance: 410km
5. The Legendary Pacific Coast

One of Australia’s great road trips, the Legendary Pacific Coast showcases the very best of the Central Coast, Port Stephens, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, and the Tweed area weaving through national parks, striking coastlines, and lush hinterlands. Though it’s best divided over four days, you’ll need a lot longer to explore these parts in all their glory. Highlights include the popular Caves Beach at Lake Macquarie, the southern hemisphere’s largest ocean baths in Newcastle, the incredible Tomaree Coastal Walk and giant sand dunes at Port Stephens, the beautiful coastal towns of South West Rocks and Hat Head and the Big Banana Fun Park at Australia’s new coffee capital, Coffs Harbour.
From here, make the long haul to the coastal paradise of Byron Bay and finally Tweed Heads on the far NSW North Coast. This is not the type of trip you want to rush so we recommend taking your time with it. Start planning your journey here.
Total distance: Approximately 819km
6. Orange to Coonabarabran
An unexpected but worthy contender for one of the best summer road trips in NSW is the drive from Orange to Coonabarabran. The vibrant town of Orange offers something for everyone — colourful markets, excellent local cafes, boutique shopping, and even snow in winter if you’re lucky. Coonabarabran on the other hand, is known as the astronomy capital of Australia so clear, magnificent skies are a guarantee. It’s the perfect place to escape to with wide, open spaces, the Southern Hemisphere’s first-ever Dark Sky park, excellent observatories and local museums. Summer is the perfect time to plan this road trip with warm days, pleasant nights, and spectacular stargazing.
Total distance: Approximately 242km
7. Yamba to Brunswick Heads

While a trip from Byron Bay to its free-spirited sibling, Yamba is a popular North Coast getaway, consider driving from Yamba to Brunswick Heads for the same incredible beaches, hippie shops, cafe culture, and local markets — minus the crowds. It’s a short drive of about 2.15 hours but one packed with coastal views, rainforests, beaches, and national parks so nature lovers will be spoilt for choice here. Along the way, you’ll pass small towns like Woodburn, Coraki, and Wardell if you want to stop for a bite, stretch your legs, and do some exploring. These quaint small towns are just a 20-minute drive apart so you can explore them all in one trip.
Total distance: Around 132km
8. Sydney to Newcastle
Pressed for time? The classic Sydney to Newcastle road trip is an excellent quick escape. Just under 2.5 hours, this drive offers an exciting blend of cafes and restaurants, incredible beaches, family-friendly fun, and vibrant nightlife. Along the way, you’ll pass the sprawling Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, enjoy wildlife encounters at the Australian Reptile Park, discover the biggest saltwater lake in the southern hemisphere, enjoy a swim in sparkling rock pools like Merewether Ocean Baths and much more.
Total distance: Around 170km
Find more road trips and gorgeous drives around NSW here.