GREAT DRIVES IN NSW

Enjoy the sheer pleasure of the journey with inspirational drives in NSW. Visitors will discover views, wildlife, national parks full of natural wonders, beaches that make the rest of the world envious and quiet country towns with plenty of stories to tell. Essential lifestyle ingredients such as wineries, great regional dining and fantastic places to spend the night cap it all off. Travel slowly and discover a state that is full of adventures.

The Legendary Pacific Coast

Fast facts • A scenic coastal drive north from to in Norah Head , Central Coast Queensland. The Legendary Pacific Coast • Alternatively, fly to Newcastle, Ballina Byron or the Gold Coast and hire a car. • 940km from start to finish.

Why drive it? Heading north from Sydney along the Pacific Ocean coastline to Brisbane, this scenic drive takes you through some of the most striking landscapes in NSW. An almost continuous line of surf beaches, national parks and a hinterland of rolling green hills and friendly villages make this Surfer, Lennox Head a great drive. The Legendary Pacific Coast The Legendary Pacific Coast has many possible themed itineraries: • Coastal and Aquatic Trail • Culture, Arts and Heritage Trail • Food and Wine and Farmers’ Gate Journey • Legendary Kids Trail • National Parks and State Forests Nature Trail • Legendary Surfing Safari • Backpacker and Working Holiday Trail • Whale Watching Trail

What can visitors do along the way? • On the Central Coast, drop into a wildlife or reptile park to meet ’s native animals. • Stop off at the Hunter Valley for cellar door wine tastings and delicious cheeses. • Take a detour along through deep forest to the historic villages of Stroud and Gloucester. Solitary Island Marine Park, Coffs Coast • Stop at South West Rocks and visit Lighthouse for ocean views and to see the historic Gaol.

Current as at 1 April 2016 • Turn west to Bellingen, explore this village and go on to Dorrigo National Park for World Heritage-listed rainforests and waterfalls. • Take in the wonders of the Coffs Coast - try kayaking or surf lessons, play golf in a rainforest setting or go diving at Solitary Islands Marine Park. • Turn off at Bangalow and stop for lunch at a café. Meander through green coastal pastures to Byron Bay. • Enjoy a side trip through the Tweed Valley, famous for its dramatic World Heritage National Park.

Don’t Miss! • Swing, climb and slide among the trees at a local adventure park in the Yarramalong Valley in the Central Coast. • Stockton Sand Dunes, north of Newcastle, for a four-wheel-drive thrill or quad bike adventure. • An early morning hot-air balloon flight over the vineyards of the Hunter Valley.

• Cruising with dolphins at Port Stephens. Driving through St Helena

• Myall Lakes National Park where visitors can sail, swim and kayak on the lakes and lagoons. • The 70 metre long Skywalk, which extends over rainforest in the Dorrigo National Park. • Sunrise over the Pacific Ocean from Byron Bay Lighthouse.

For more information, including a list of must see and do products, visit www.pacificcoast.com.au or download a copy of the international product manual here Scuba diving, Nelson Bay

Grand Pacific Drive – Sydney to and beyond…

Fast facts • The coastal route south from Sydney, starting in the Royal National Park, travelling through the coastal towns of Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama then on towards Nowra. • 140km from start to finish, with opportunities to continue exploring the Southern Highlands, the South Coast and Canberra before returning to Sydney, or continuing on Grand Pacific Drive, Sea Cliff to Melbourne. image courtesy of Tourism Wollongong

Why drive it? The Grand Pacific Drive passes through rainforests, seaside villages and along a sensational strip of coastline. The highlight of the Grand Pacific Drive is the 665 metre Sea Cliff Bridge, offering superb views of the Pacific Ocean. The drive ends just north of Nowra, at Bomaderry, from where visitors can turn inland to the Southern Highlands or head further south along the Princess Highway on the Sydney Melbourne Coastal Drive.

Fishing in Kiama

Current as at 1 April 2016 What can visitors do along the way? • Explore the Royal National Park, the second oldest National Park in the world. Discover rainforests, creeks, secluded beaches and dramatic sandstone headlands. • Hire a boat, kayak or take a picnic to the Historic Boatshed at Audley. • Stop at Lookout for an awe-inspiring panorama from Stanwell Tops down the spectacular coastline. • Visit the popular Austinmer Beach and rock pool, and sample some local gelato. • Take a stroll around Wollongong Harbour and Flagstaff Hill, with its array of fishing boats and . • Admire the sublime view from 468 metres high at Mt Keira Lookout or follow a scenic bushwalking trail. Sea Cliff Bridge, image courtesy of Tourism • Take a hike along the boardwalk at Minnamurra Rainforest; see Wollongong native birdlife and stunning scenery. • View the Kiama blowhole, where waves surge into an underground cave then explode in spectacular style high into the air.

Don’t miss! • The exhilaration of a tandem hang-glide at Stanwell Tops. • A visit to the largest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere. Hang Gliding, Stanwell Park, image courtesy of • Walking the length of the Sea Cliff Bridge. Parking is available on Tourism Wollongong the southern side of the Bridge. • A swim in the ocean pool at Austinmer Beach. • A skydive from 4600 metres over North Wollongong Beach. • Beer tasting and a tour at a local micro-brewery. • A tree-top walk with inspiring views over the .

For more information including a list of must see and do products, visit Drives, Kangaroo Valley www.grandpacificdrive.com.au or download a copy of the international product manual here.

Sydney-Melbourne Coastal Drive, Sydney-Melbourne Touring

Fast facts Long Beach, Jervis Bay • A meandering drive south from Sydney to Melbourne along the Dolphin Watch Cruises Jervis Bay coastline. • 1,033km from start to finish.

Why drive it? The Sydney Melbourne Coastal Drive starts with the Grand Pacific Drive and continues south, winding through pretty seaside towns and historic villages, quiet beaches and bays and more than 30 national parks and reserves. Discover some of Australia’s finest cheeses and wineries and sample fresh seafood along the way. Royal National Park, image courtesy of Tourism Wollongong

Current as at 1 April 2016 What can visitors do along the way? • Stop for fish and chips at Kiama, a seaside town amid beautiful bays and beaches, featuring a famous blowhole. • Enjoy the fresh produce and award-winning restaurants in Berry, a historic village surrounded by rich dairy country. • Turn off at Jervis Bay, known for its white sand beaches, marine life and bushwalks through native forests. Caravan and camping on the South Coast, Kiama • Stop at Murramarang National Park, just north of . This is one of many national parks along this drive that borders the beach - great for surfing, fishing and walking. • Take a tour to see Australian fur seals, penguins and native birdlife at Montague Island, off the Narooma coast. • Browse the arts and craft galleries of Central Tilba and take a hike to the top of Mt Dromedary. • Visit Eden for a whale or wildlife tour, or join a tour of Mimosa Rocks National Park.

Don’t miss! • The boardwalks and trails through subtropical rainforest in Point Perpendicular, Jervis Bay; Jervis Bay Wild Minnamurra Rainforest. • A dolphin-watching cruise from Huskisson in Jervis Bay. • The big cats and endangered species such as red pandas and ring-tailed lemurs at Mogo Zoo. • Eastern grey kangaroos enjoying the beach at Murramarang National Park. • Local award-winning cheeses in Bega. • Deep sea fishing for yellow fin tuna and black marlin off the coast of Bermagui. Minnamurra Headland, Kiama Coast Walk, South Coast

For more information, including a list of must see and do products, visit www.sydneymelbournetouring.com.au

Sydney-Melbourne Heritage Drive, Sydney-Melbourne Touring

Fast facts

• The inland drive south from Sydney to Melbourne, via Canberra. Driving, Gerringong

• 1,033km from start to finish.

Why drive it? This inland route from Sydney to Melbourne showcases Australia’s heritage and the ever-changing scenery includes rich farmland, lush national parks, snow-capped high country and the mighty . Learn about Australia’s pioneering history; from the early settlers and pastoralists to gold miners and river traders. Explore the nation’s capital Canberra, home to Australia’s parliament and many national treasures. Sample the local wines, cheeses and delicious fruits. There are three themed itineraries highlighting food and wine, heritage and cultural Fruit stall in Fitzroy Falls, image courtesy of Tourism Southern Highlands experiences.

Current as at 1 April 2016 What can visitors do along the way? • Visit The Bradman International Cricket Hall of Fame in Bowral to learn about the national past-time of cricket and the great legends of the game. • Browse the many arts and antiques galleries that line the villages of the Southern Highlands, such as Moss Vale or Mittagong. • Celebrate the region’s rich industrial heritage with a visit to the Rail Heritage Centre in Goulburn, where rail enthusiasts will enjoy seeing a working roundhouse and heritage locomotives. Gundagai countryside • See the Big Merino, a giant sheep which stands more than 15m tall and houses an exhibition of Australia’s 200 Year History of Wool. This is a great opportunity to buy some fine Australian Merino wool products and gifts. • See the famous ‘Dog on a Tuckerbox’ statue in Gundagai which commemorates the efforts of European pioneers who settled in the region. • Step inside the ‘HMAS Otway’, an ‘O’ class submarine, to learn about Australia’s submarine history and its connection with the landlocked township of Holbrook. Durras Forest, South Coast • Fish for famous Murray cod from the gumtree shaded banks of the Murray River. • Continue to Melbourne via Bendigo.

Don’t Miss! • A refreshing beer and meal at the Goulburn Brewery, which has been in operation since 1840. • A stop at the Bungendore Wood Works Gallery to see spectacular artistry and beautiful homewares crafted from Australian timbers. • A delicious visit to the Poachers Pantry in Hall. This country smokehouse supplies award-winning restaurants with delicious Barmah State Forest smoked goods. There is also a café and vineyard on-site, making this a perfect lunch stop. • The National Gallery of Australia in Canberra, which showcases an impressive collection of works by local and international artists. • The opportunity to learn about the region’s Aboriginal, pioneering and migrant history through engaging interactive exhibitions at ’s Library Museum. • A visit to the Army Museum at Bandiana, the ‘Migrant Experience’ at Block 19, Bonegilla, near Wodonga. • A cruise on the iconic Murray River aboard a paddlesteamer. • A round of golf at Yarrawonga on the state’s border. There are 45 scenic and challenging holes to enjoy at this championship course.

For more information, including a list of must see and do products, visit www.sydneymelbournetouring.com.au

Mountain biking

Current as at 1 April 2016 Kosciuszko Alpine Way

Fast facts • Travels from Canberra, through the high country and the , to the Murray River. • Features history, charm, stunning landscapes and dramatic vistas. • 441km from start to finish. • Can be combined with a Sydney – Melbourne drive.

Why drive it? Nature scenic, Alpine Way Driving the Kosciuszko Alpine Way is remarkable. The route winds its way through quaint country towns and alpine villages, with breathtaking views of the majestic mountains and sparkling .

What can visitors do along the way? • Sample slow food in the form of locally grown beef, lamb, trout and more. • Visit Mt Gladstone lookout just west of for sweeping views across the peaks of the Snowy Mountains. • Browse through galleries for a showcase of local art and craft. • Enjoy Lake Jindabyne with waterskiing, kayaking, sailing, fishing or viewing a sunset. • Sample pure fruit schnapps at the distillery, made from locally- grown fruits in Thredbo Valley. • Stay on snow in picturesque Thredbo Village and take to the ski fields during the snow season (June to October). • Play a round of golf on Australia’s highest course, overlooking the Thredbo River. • Discover unique wildflowers and the only glacial lakes found in Walking in Kosciuszko National Park Australia on a walk in Kosciuszko National Park. • Stop to take in stunning views of the main mountain range at Scammells Spur lookout. • Try fly-fishing in rivers, lakes and dams in and around the mountains.

Don’t miss! • A unique horsemanship performance by a fourth generation family of Australian mountain cattlemen. • Climbing to the top of , Australia’s highest peak, a two-hour walk from the top of the Thredbo chairlift. • Exploring the Snowy Mountains on horseback, on foot or quad bike. • A visit to the Snowy Hydro Visitor Centres at Cooma and Snowy Mountains Khancoban, which tell the story of the hydro-electric scheme featuring seven power stations, 16 major dams and 140km of trans-mountain tunnels.

Current as at 1 April 2016 • The perfect picnic spot at Geehi on the Swampy Plains River, with views of the western face of the mountains from top to bottom and the chance of a close encounter with kangaroos.

For more information including a list of must see and do products, visit www.alpineway.snowymountains.com.au

The Greater Blue Mountains Drive

Fast facts • A series of linked drives and discovery trails that encircle the Scenic World Blue Mountains Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. • The 10,000 sq km World Heritage Area includes Wollemi, Yengo, Gardens of Stone, Blue Mountains, Kanangra Boyd, Nattai and Thirlmere Lakes National Parks plus Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve. • Easily accessible from Sydney via the Hawkesbury Valley, the Southern Highlands region or Glenbrook in the Blue Mountains.

Why drive it?

Discover small towns and villages, mountains, bushwalks, museums, Three Sisters, Blue Mountains wineries, wilderness and wildlife. Enjoy the spectacular views, country markets, botanical wonders and bush-lined creeks. The Greater Blue Mountains Drive includes 18 Discovery Trails that branch off the main route, each one taking travellers on a unique adventure. The common link is the network of national parks and conservation areas that make up the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. This stretches from the Upper Hunter, to Mudgee, Goulburn, the Southern Highlands and the Hawkesbury.

What can visitors do along the way? • Discover a treasury of native plants and birds at The Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan. Apples, The Local Harvest, Bilpin

• See the iconic Three Sisters rock formation and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over the Jamison Valley from the Echo Point lookout • Visit Australia’s oldest and largest rail museum at Thirlmere. • Take a trip to The Jenolan Caves and explore the labyrinth of stalactite-lined limestone chasms carved by underground rivers. • Pick up fresh apricots, peaches, apples and avocados in season from a roadside stall at Kurrajong. • Go mountain biking along Narrowneck at Katoomba or the Woodford-to-Glenbrook Oaks Trail. Grapes, Hunter Valley

• Bushwalk along Aboriginal songlines with a local Aboriginal guide and learn about their creation and spiritual meaning. • See the sights of Katoomba and Leura on a hop-on, hop-off ride. • Stroll among the historic buildings of St Albans in the Hawkesbury Valley, and Broke.

Current as at 1 April 2016 Don’t miss! • Remnants of the Great North Road built by convict labour to link Sydney to the Hunter Valley wine region. • Spectacular Capertee Valley, the world’s second largest canyon. • The Wollemi Pine, a living fossil, at The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah. • Kangaroo spotting in the wild at Euroka Camping and Picnic Area, near Glenbrook. Backpackers, Bryon Bay • Echo Point lookout in Katoomba and Govetts Leap in Blackheath to see pristine wilderness. • Aboriginal rock art at Blackfellows Hand Rock in Wolgan Valley. • The world’s steepest railway and rainforest boardwalk at Katoomba. • The wineries of Mudgee and the Upper Hunter.

For more information including a list of must see and do products, visit www.greaterbluemountainsdrive.com.au

Vineyards, Hunter Valley NSW

Driving in New South Wales All major car rental operators have offices at Sydney Airport and in various Sydney city and suburban locations. Many also have regional depots in major towns throughout the state. Please remember • Australians drive on the left hand side of the road. • All drivers and passengers must wear a seatbelt at all times. • All drivers must carry a valid driver’s licence at all times when driving. • Plan your journey and take frequent rest breaks (a break every 2 Couple, Sussex Inlet hours is recommended) • Get to know the road rules. http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/usingroads/roadrules/ and http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/safety-rules/road- rules/index.html • Alcohol and drugs - Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is extremely dangerous and Australia has very serious penalties if you are caught doing this. In Australia, you are not permitted to drive a car if your blood alcohol level is 0.05 per cent or higher. If you hold a probationary or provisional driver’s licence, your blood alcohol level must be zero at all times. Driving after taking drugs that affect your ability to drive is illegal and penalties are severe.

• Mobile phones - You are not permitted to use a handheld mobile Drives, Kangaroo Valley phone when driving. This includes making or receiving calls, texting, playing games or web browsing. Check your mobile phone/data coverage as some areas within Australia are only accessible using satellite phones. • Driving in rural and remote areas - Driving in rural and remote areas requires special driving skills and awareness of different road conditions

Current as at 1 April 2016 • Road conditions - Road conditions can vary from a sealed road surface to gravel and unsealed roads International visitors who intend to drive in Australia for a period of less than three months can use their valid overseas driver’s licence provided it is written in English. If the overseas driver’s licence is not in English, an official English translation or International Driving Permit must be obtained. Please note, regulations may vary between Australian States / Territories, for further details on licencing requirements for international visitors: http://www.australia.gov.au/information-and-services/transport-and- regional/registration-and-licences/driving-with-an-overseas Many major roads into and out of Sydney are tollways and most do not accept cash payment. Most major car hire companies will provide an e- toll solution as part of their rental agreement. Alternatively, short-term e-toll passes can be purchased. An eMU (Electronic Motorway User) Pass is a convenient way to travel on Sydney toll roads for a period of up to 30 days: www.myrta.com/wps/portal/extvp/myrta/etoll

Information on Sydney’s motorways and tollways: http://sydneymotorways.com/visitorfastfacts.html

Current as at 1 April 2016