When the autumn leaves fade and the temperatures plunge, it’s the perfect time to hit the road. Even in the depths of winter, NSW has plenty to offer — in fact, it might just be the state’s secret season — with incredible walks made better without the scorching heat, cheaper accommodation, snowy landscapes, cosy eateries and pubs, and the stark beauty of the state on full display. Whether your ideal landscape is mountains, coastline, or desert, there’s a winter drive in NSW with your name on it. So skip the hibernation this year, and pack the car instead — these are some of the best winter road trips in NSW.
1. Sydney to the Snowy Mountains
When it comes to the best winter road trips in NSW, you really can’t go wrong with the classic Sydney to Snowy Mountains drive. The 5–6 hour route delivers pristine snow-capped mountain views, snow sports galore, local festivals, fireside eateries, and more. The Snowy Mountains are home to Australia’s highest peak and the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere, with charming towns like Tumut and Cooma offering the perfect cosy escape if you want to stay warm. Explore Kosciuszko National Park — NSW’s largest — hit the slopes at one of four ski resorts, or simply soak up the sublime snow views from the comfort of your car.
Total distance: Approximately 492kms
2. Southern Highlands trail
No list of winter road trips would be complete without a mention of the Southern Highlands. This part of the state is a year-round treat with quaint villages, waterfalls, charming bakeries, and plenty of country charm — but it’s extra special in winter. Stretch your legs on a walk, admiring the beautiful old buildings of Mittagong and Berrima, cosy up with a book and coffee at a café in Bowral, or grab a hot pie from one of Robertson’s famous bakeries. Nature lovers won’t be short on options either. Take a scenic walk to Fitzroy Falls, explore the hidden rainforest trails in the nearby Budderoo National Park, or enjoy bushwalking and birdwatching at Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve. Best of all? It’s all just a stone’s throw from Sydney — around 1.5 hours away.
Total distance: Approximately 58kms
3. Grand Pacific Drive
With its abundance of coastal views and natural wonders along the way, the Grand Pacific Drive never gets old — but it takes on a whole new charm in winter, with whale-watching lookouts and lush rainforest scenery along the way. The iconic 140km drive begins at the Royal National Park and winds past picturesque beach towns, cosy cafes, clifftop lookouts, and more. Although it’s possible to cover it all in one day, it’s worth slowing down and taking your time on this incredible road trip. The drive has recently been named Australia’s second-most-loved road trip, so don’t miss out.
Total distance: Approximately 140kms
4. Blue Mountains to Bathurst
There’s so much to see and do in the Blue Mountains that you’ll want to stretch this road trip over a few days to take it all in. Wind your way through mountain towns like Katoomba, Blackheath and Leura for a mix of dramatic views, hidden walking trails, boutique shopping, fireside pubs, and all the wintry charm, then continue on to Bathurst in NSW’s Central West. In Bathurst, make the most of the vibrant atmosphere with handcrafted spirits by Stone Pine Distillery, sip locally roasted coffee in front of a wood fire at The Hub, or settle in for a hearty brunch at Harvest Cafe and Store.
Total distance: Approximately 163kms
5. Sydney to Byron Bay
Can’t deal with the cold? Drive away to warmer pastures on the NSW North Coast. The drive from Sydney to Byron Bay may be long, but it’s well worth it — especially with the promise of far fewer crowds and cheaper prices in winter. The journey is packed with stunning landscapes and charming coastal towns, so give yourself plenty of time to explore along the way. Once you reach Byron, you’ll be spoiled with coastal vistas, surf beaches, boho boutiques, waterside eateries, and far smaller crowds than usual. Byron is also within easy reach of other coastal favourites like Yamba and Ballina. You’ll never have Byron entirely to yourself, but winter comes pretty close, so now’s the perfect time to go.
Total distance: Approximately 766kms
6. Riverina trail
Featuring the towns of Wagga Wagga, Junee, Bethungra, Coolamon, and Griffith, the Riverina trail may be a longer way from Sydney, but the scenery makes it worth it. This under-the-radar region of NSW is a dream for foodies, wine lovers, and anyone who enjoys the finer things. Start with live tunes and ice skating at the Festival of W in Wagga Wagga, then swing by the beloved Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory to watch chocolatiers in action. In Griffith, snuggle up in a garden pod at Jen’s Garden Pods, or spend the day hopping between local wineries and standout eateries. Dining options are plenty here, from long lunches at Zecca to high tea at The Olde School T-House and tastings at Yarran Wines. The region is expansive, so give yourself plenty of time to make the most of this indulgent road trip. Plan your trip here.
Total distance: Approximately 285kms
7. Lightning Ridge
At around 1500km return, a road trip to Lightning Ridge might sound like a mission, but it presents a unique outback experience, and winter is hands down the best time to go. It’s a nine-hour drive northwest of Sydney to this historic opal town, but with so many incredible stops along the way, from the Blue Mountains and Mudgee, to hidden gems like Coonamble, the journey is half the fun. Once you reach “the Ridge”, take a dip in the popular, mineral-filled Bore Baths under the open sky, join an outback opal tour, browse local art at the John Murray Art Gallery, and refuel at The Gourmet Gecko cafe before hitting the road again.
Total distance: Approximately 1,500kms
Find more wonderful winter drives in NSW here. Happy road-tripping!