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 to  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 ’s native animals

 Stop off at Hunter Valley for cellar door wine tastings and award-winning restaurants  Take a detour along , through deep forest to the historic villages of Stroud and Gloucester  Stop at South West Rocks and visit for ocean views and to visit the historic 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,

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  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 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 , 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 , 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. , 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 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  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 , 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 .

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 , 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 . 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,

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.

 Cycling along the banks of the Murray in Albury and follow the Wagirra Wagirra Trail and Yindyamurra Sculpture Trail to see some beautiful examples of outdoor and indigenous art Walk, West Albury

 A visit to MAMA, Murray Art Museum Albury, a bold and vibrant contemporary art gallery with an excellent collection of Indigenous works.  A cruise on the iconic Murray River aboard a paddle steamer  Playing 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 sydneymelbournetouring.com.au

Kosciuszko Thredbo,

Fast facts  Travels from Canberra, through the Snowy Mountains high country and the , to the Murray River  Features history, charm, stunning landscapes and dramatic vistas  Drive length: 441km  Can be combined with a Sydney – Melbourne drive.

Why drive it? Driving the Kosciuszko Alpine Way is remarkable, the route winds its way through country towns and alpine villages, with breathtaking views of the Kosciuszko National Park mountains and rivers.

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 local art and craft galleries  Enjoy Lake Jindabyne for waterskiing, kayaking, sailing, fishing or to watch the sunset  Sample pure fruit schnapps at the Wildbrumby Distillery, made from locally grown fruits in Thredbo Valley  Stay on snow in the 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  Discover unique wildflowers and the only glacial lakes found in Australia on a walk in Kosciuszko National Park

 Stop to take in stunning views of the main mountain range at Scammells Spur lookout The Diggings, Kosciuszko National Park

 Try fly-fishing in rivers, lakes and dams in and around the mountains.

Last updated March 2019 Don’t miss!  A unique horsemanship performance at Boggy Creek 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 Mountains Hydro Discovery Centre and learn about

The Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme, one of the engineering Snowy Wilderness Resort, Snowy Mountains wonders of the modern world

 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 snowymountains.com.au

The Greater Blue Mountains Drive

Fast facts  A series of linked drives and discovery trails that encircle the Greater The Three Sisters, Blue Mountains 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, wineries, wilderness and wildlife. Enjoy the spectacular views, country markets, botanical wonders and bush-lined creeks. Jenolan Caves, Greater Blue Mountains

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  See the iconic Three Sisters rock formation and enjoy breathtaking Anderson Farm, Hawkesbury

panoramic views over the from the Echo Point lookout  Visit Australia’s oldest and largest rail museum at Thirlmere  Take a trip to Jenolan Caves and explore the labyrinth of stalactite-lined limestone chasms carved by underground rivers  Purchase fresh apricots, peaches, apples and avocados in season from a roadside stall at Kurrajong  Go mountain biking along Narrow Neck at Katoomba or the Woodford-to- Glenbrook Oaks Trail

 Bushwalk along Aboriginal song lines with a local Aboriginal guide and Lowe Wines, Mudgee

learn about their creation and spiritual meaning

Last updated March 2019

 See the sights of Katoomba and Leura on a hop-on, hop-off bus  Stroll among the historic buildings of St Albans in the Hawkesbury Valley, Wollombi and Broke.

Don’t miss!  Remnants of the Great North Road built by convict labour to link Sydney to the region  Spectacular Capertee Valley, the world’s second-largest  The Wollemi Pine, a living fossil, at The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah Ballooning, Hunter Valley

 Kangaroo spotting in the wild at Euroka Camping and Picnic Area, near Glenbrook  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 travelling down to a Jurassic rainforest boardwalk at Katoomba  The premium cool-climate wineries of Mudgee region.

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

Driving in Car Rental 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. Avis Australia Europcar avis.com.au europcar.com.au Gerringong, South Coast Hertz Redspot Car Rentals hertz.com.au redspot.com.au

Thrifty Car Rental Jucy Rentals thrifty.com.au jucy.com.au

Campervan Rental

Bear Rentals Campervan Australia bearrentals.com.au campermanaustralia.com

Hippie Camper Jucy Rentals Australia hippiecamper.com jucy.com.au

Maui, Britz, Mighty Campervan Rentals (THL Group) thlonline.com

Spaceships Campervans Travellers Autobarn spaceshipsrentals.com.au travellers-autobarn.com.au

Stanwell Tops Lookout, Royal National Park

Last updated March 2019 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 two hours is recommended)

 Get to know the road rules rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/safety-rules/road-rules/index.html Tallow Beach, Byron Bay

 Alcohol and drugs - driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is extremely dangerous and Australia has 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 phone when driving. This includes making or receiving calls, texting, playing games or web browsing. Check your mobile phone and data coverage as some areas within Australia are only accessible using satellite phones Horse Riding, Snowy Wilderness Resort

 Driving in rural and remote areas - Driving in rural and remote areas requires special driving skills and awareness of different road conditions  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 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 and Territories. For further details on licencing requirements for international visitors: australia.gov.au/information-and-services/transport-and-regional/driving-with- an-overseas-licence 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 Pass is a convenient way to travel on Sydney toll roads for a period of up to 30 days: myrta.com/wps/portal/extvp/myrta/etoll

Information on Sydney’s motorways and tollways: Kangaroo, Blue Mountains sydneymotorways.com/visitorfastfacts.html

Destination NSW has taken all possible steps to ensure information included within this publication is current, accurate and reliable at the time of publishing. However Destination NSW cannot guarantee that at any time in the future, the information will not be out of date, incorrect or out of context. The contents of this publication have been prepared by Destination NSW in good faith and should not be considered as professional advice. Destination NSW advises the details contained in this publication are based on the best available information at time of printing. This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act, 1968, no part may be reproduced without the prior written permission of Destination NSW. Destination NSW acknowledges Campervan, Port Stephens and appreciates all photographs and images supplied by photographers and owners for use in this publication. Some information contained in this publication has been provided by third parties, attractions, venues and tour/experience operators and may be subject to change, conditions and availability. Please ask the third party, attractions, venues and tour/experience operators for any additional information (including current terms and conditions) when contacting them. Inclusion of this third party information is not an endorsement of the information or of the supplier nor of its accuracy.

Last updated March 2019