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 Queensland Alternatively, fly to Newcastle, Ballina Byron or the Gold Coast and hire a car 940km from start to finish

Why drive it

To the west is the Great Dividing Range, green pastures, rainforests, sleepy villages and waterfalls. Along the coast is an almost continuous line of beaches and rocky headlands. The Legendary Pacific Coast has many possible themed itineraries: Culture and Heritage Trail Food and Wine / Farm Gate Journey National Parks Trail

Surfing Safari Backpacker / Working Holiday

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 Bucketts Way through deep forest to the historic villages of Stroud and Gloucester. Stop at South West Rocks and visit for ocean views and to see the historic Gaol. Turn west to Bellingen, explore this New Age village and go on to Dorrigo National Park for World Heritage-listed rainforests and waterfalls. Take in the wonders of the Coffs Coast - try surf rafting, kayaking or surf lessons, play golf in a rainforest setting or go diving at Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Current as at 1 March 2013

Stroll through Grafton, renowned for its tree-lined streets, architecture and Grafton Regional Gallery. 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 River 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. 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 70m long Skywalk, which extends over rainforest in 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

Grand Pacific Drive – Sydney to Wollongong and Beyond …

Fast facts The coastal route south from Sydney, starting in the , 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 to Melbourne.

Why drive it The Grand Pacific Drive passes through rainforests, seaside villages and along a sensational strip of coastline. The scenic climax of Grand Pacific Drive is the 665m Sea Cliff Bridge, which swerves out from the cliffs above the pounding sea. 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 Princes Highway on the Sydney Melbourne Coastal Drive.

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.

Current as at 1 March 2013 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 view from 468m 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. View Kiama’s blowhole, where waves surge into an underground cavity and explode 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. 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 4600m over North Wollongong beach. Beer tasting and a tour at a local micro-brewery. A tree-top walk with inspiring views over the Illawarra. For more information including a list of must see and do products, visit www.grandpacificdrive.com.au

Sydney - Melbourne Touring

Fast facts A meandering drive south from Sydney to Melbourne, either along the coastline or via the inland heritage route. 1,039km from start to finish

Why drive it The Sydney Melbourne Coastal Drive starts with the Grand Pacific Drive and continues south, winding through rustic country towns and fishing villages, through tangled forests and along sandy tracks leading to ocean lookouts. 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, a seaside town amid beautiful bays and beaches, featuring a famous blowhole. Sample the rustic delights of 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. Stop at Murramarang National Park, just north of Batemans Bay. 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.

Current as at 1 March 2013 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 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 in Mogo. Eastern grey kangaroos enjoying the beach at Murramarang National Park. Local award-winning cheeses in Bega. The pretty woodland garden set on four acres at Tilba Tilba. 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, and suggestions for an alternative inland Sydney-Melbourne Heritage Drive, visit www.sydneymelbournetouring.com.au

Kosciuszko Alpine Way

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 441km from start to finish Can be combined with a Sydney – Melbourne drive.

Why drive it Driving the Kosciuszko Alpine Way is remarkable regardless of the season. Whether swishing down winter slopes, admiring spring wildflowers or rambling through parklands ablaze with autumn colour, there are plenty of invigorating experiences in the fresh mountain air. The route winds its way through quaint country towns and alpine villages with historic homesteads, breathtaking views of the majestic mountains and sparkling 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 Cooma 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.

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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 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 Mount Kosciuszko, 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 Khancoban, which tell the story of the hydro-electric scheme featuring seven power stations, 16 major dams and 140km of trans-mountain tunnels. 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 a kangaroo.

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

The Greater Blue Mountains Drive

Fast facts A series of linked drives and discovery trails that encircle the 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 Easy accessible from Sydney via the Hawkesbury Valley, the Southern Highlands region or Glenbrook in the Blue Mountains

Why drive it This is a journey to challenge, captivate and stimulate. Discover rustic towns and villages, mountains, bushwalks, museums, wineries, wilderness and wildlife. There are 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 which stretches from the Upper Hunter, to Mudgee, Goulburn, the Southern Highlands and the Hawkesbury.

Current as at 1 March 2013 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 panoramic views over the Jamison Valley from the Echo Point lookout in Katoomba. Visit Australia’s oldest and largest rail museum at Thirlmere or enjoy a steam engine ride near Lithgow. Take a trip to Jenolan Caves and explore the labyrinth of stalactite- lined limestone chasms carved by underground rivers. Pick up fresh apricots, peaches, apples and avocadoes in season from a roadside stall at Kurrajong. Go mountain biking along Narrowneck at Katoomba or the Woodford- to-Glenbrook Oaks Trail. 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, Wollombi and Broke. Camp at Dunns Swamp and take a boat tour or hire a canoe to explore the quiet waterways. Explore the beautiful Megalong Valley on horseback.

Don’t miss Remnants of the Great North Road built by convict labour to link Sydney to the Hunter Valley, where visitors can sample some of Australia’s most delectable wines. Spectacular Capertee Valley, the world’s second largest canyon. The eerie lights of Glow Worm Tunnel and Newnes Plateau. The Wollemi Pine, a living fossil, at Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens. 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 inclined 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

Current as at 1 March 2013