ATE17 Great Drives In
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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 Sydney to Brisbane in Queensland. Norah Head lighthouse, Central 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 a great drive. The Big Banana, Coffs Harbour 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 Australia’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. Dolphin Marine Magic, Coffs Harbour • Stop at South West Rocks and visit Smoky Cape Lighthouse for ocean views and to see the historic Trial Bay Gaol. Current as at 1 April 2017 • 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 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 or quad bike adventure. • An early morning hot-air balloon flight over the vineyards of the Hunter Valley. • Bellingen, North Coast 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. • 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 Brunswick River, Brunswick Heads Grand Pacific Drive – Sydney to Wollongong 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 New South Wales South Coast and Canberra before returning to Sydney, or continuing on Tropical Fruit World, Duranbah 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, from 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 Current as at 1 April 2017 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 sample some local gelato. • Take a stroll around Wollongong Harbour and Flagstaff Hill, with its array of fishing boats and lighthouses. • Admire the sublime view from 468 metres high 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. Bald Hill Lookout • 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. • 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 4600 metres over North Wollongong Beach. • Beer tasting and a tour at a local micro-brewery. Illawarra Fly Zipline • A tree-top walk with inspiring views over the Illawarra. Image courtesy of Merlin Entertainments Group For more information including a list of must see and do products, visit www.grandpacificdrive.com.au Sydney-Melbourne Coastal Drive, Sydney-Melbourne Touring Fast facts • A meandering drive south from Sydney to Melbourne along the Dining, Wollongong 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. Skydiving Sydney - Wollongong Image courtesy of Skydive Australia Current as at 1 April 2017 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, • Stop at Murramarang National Park, just north of Batemans Bay. Kiama 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 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. Montague Island, 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. Minnamurra Headland, Kiama Coast Walk • 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 Murray River. 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. Drives, Kangaroo Valley Current as at 1 April 2017 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. International Cricket Hall of Fame, Bowral • Dee Kramer Photography See the Big Merino in Goulburn, 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. Gundagai countryside • 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.