GREAT DRIVES IN NSW Enjoy the sheer pleasure of the journey on inspirational drives in NSW. Visitors will discover views, wildlife, national parks full of natural wonders, beaches that are the envy of world and quiet country towns with stories to tell. Essential lifestyle ingredients such as wineries, great regional dining and fantastic places to spend the night cap it all off. Take your time and discover a State that is full of adventures. Discover more road trip inspiration with the Destination NSW trip and itinerary planner at: www.visitnsw.com/roadtrips The Legendary Pacific Coast Fast facts A scenic coastal drive north from Sydney to Brisbane Alternatively, fly to Newcastle, Ballina Byron or the Gold Coast and hire a car Drive length: 940km. Toowoon Bay, Central Coast Why drive it? 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. 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 Newcastle Ocean Baths, Newcastle Australia’s native animals Stop off at Hunter Valley for cellar door wine tastings and award-winning restaurants Take a detour along Bucketts Way, through deep forest to the historic villages of Stroud and Gloucester Stop at South West Rocks and visit Smoky Cape Lighthouse for ocean views and to visit the historic Trial Bay Gaol Turn west to Bellingen, explore this bohemian village and go on to Dorrigo National Park for World Heritage-listed rainforests and waterfalls Coffs Harbour Jetty, Coffs Harbour Last updated March 2019 Take in the wonders of the Coffs Coast — try paddle-boarding or surf lessons, play golf in a rainforest setting or scuba-dive or snorkel at Solitary Islands Marine Park Turn off at Bangalow and stop for lunch at a café. Meander through green coastal pastures to Byron Bay Take a side trip through the Tweed River Valley, famous for its dramatic World Heritage National Park. Don’t Miss! A swing, climb and slide among the trees at a local adventure park in the Yarramalong Valley on the Central Coast Stockton Sand Dunes, north of Newcastle, for a four-wheel-drive quad bike adventure An early morning hot-air balloon flight over the vineyards of the Hunter Valley Cruising with dolphins at Port Stephens 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 Bellingen, North Coast Sunrise over the Pacific Ocean from Byron Bay Lighthouse. For more information, including a list of must-see and do products, visit pacificcoast.com.au Grand Pacific Drive – Sydney to Wollongong and Beyond Fast facts The coastal route south from Sydney starts in the Royal National Park and travels through the coastal towns of Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama then on towards Nowra Mount Warning, North Coast Drive length: 140km; with opportunities to continue exploring the Southern Highlands, the South Coast and Canberra before returning to Sydney, or driving south to Melbourne. 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, where visitors can turn inland to the Southern Highlands or head further south along the Princess Highway on the Sydney Melbourne Coastal Drive. Sea Cliff Bridge, Wollongong 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 Bald Hill Lookout for an awe-inspiring panorama from Stanwell Tops down the spectacular coastline Visit the popular Austinmer Beach and rock pool, and buy some local gelato Stanwell Tops, Royal National Park Last updated March 2019 Take a stroll around Wollongong Harbour and Flagstaff Hill, with its fishing boats and lighthouses Admire the sublime view from 468 metres up at Mt Keira Lookout or follow a scenic bushwalking trail Take a hike along the boardwalk at Minnamurra Rainforest; see native birdlife and stunning scenery Check out the Kiama blowhole, where waves surge into an underground cave then explode in spectacular style high into the air. Blow Hole, Kiama, South Coast Don’t miss! The exhilaration of a tandem hang-glide at Stanwell Tops A visit to Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere Walking the length of the Sea Cliff Bridge. Parking is available on the southern side of the bridge A swim in the ocean pool at Austinmer Beach A skydive from 4,600 metres over North Wollongong Beach Beer tasting and a tour at a local micro-brewery Minnamurra Headland, Kiama Coast Walk, South Coast A tree-top walk with inspiring views over the Illawarra. For more information including a list of must-see and do products, visit grandpacificdrive.com.au Sydney-Melbourne Coastal Drive, Sydney-Melbourne Touring Fast facts A meandering drive south from Sydney to Melbourne along the coast Drive length: 1,134km. Greenfield Beach, Vincentia, South Coast Why drive it? The Sydney Melbourne Coastal Drive continues from the Grand Pacific Drive and goes south, winding through picturesque 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. What can visitors do along the way? Stop for fish and chips at Kiama, famous for its beautiful bays, beaches, and blowhole Enjoy the fresh produce and award-winning restaurants in Berry, a Pebbly Beach, South Coast 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 Stop at Murramarang National Park, just north of Batemans Bay, one of many national parks 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 Central Tilba, South Coast Last updated March 2019 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 Minnamurra Rainforest A whale-watching cruise in Jervis Bay or Merimbula and see these majestic animals up close from May to November Tasting the South Coast local specialty, the Sydney rock oyster, one of the few indigenous oysters still being farmed anywhere in the world, and Fresh Oysters from Tathra, South Coast prized for its intense and tangy flavour Eastern grey kangaroos enjoying the beach at Murramarang National Park Local award-winning cheeses in Bodalla, Tilba and Bega Deep-sea fishing for yellow-fin tuna and black marlin off the coast of Bermagui. For more information, including a list of must-see and do products, visit sydneymelbournetouring.com.au Sydney-Melbourne Heritage Drive, Sydney-Melbourne Touring Fast facts The inland drive south from Sydney to Melbourne, via Canberra Drive length: 1,033km. Why drive it? This inland route from Sydney to Melbourne showcases Australia’s heritage and the ever-changing scenery, rich farmland, lush national parks, snow- capped high country and the mighty Murray River. Discover Australia’s Eschalot Restaurant, Berrima, Southern pioneering history, from the early settlers and pastoralists to gold miners and HIghlands river traders. Explore the nation’s capital Canberra, home to Australia’s parliament and many national treasures. Taste local wines, cheeses and delicious fruits. 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 Berrima 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 Tulip Time, Bowral, Southern Highlands See the Big Merino in Goulburn, a giant 15-metre tall sheep with a gift shop providing an opportunity to buy fine Australian Merino wool products Visit the cool-climate wine region of Murrumbateman, with more than 20 boutique wineries 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 town of Holbrook Murray River, Albury Last updated March 2019 Don’t Miss! 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 smoked goods. There is also a restaurant, vineyard, cellar door and farm shop on-site, making this a perfect lunch stop.