Last Updated on May 5, 2026
Whether with family, college friends, or office buddies, road trips are always fun. They are more exciting, flexible, and affordable than a plane journey. Besides, road trips are filled with moments of laughter and friendly banter among friends throughout the trip. But what if you also get breathtaking views all along? Wouldn’t it be the stuff of dreams? Well, in New South Wales, Australia, it’s not just a dream! New South Wales is home to some epic road trips that bring you endless highways, winding mountain ranges, coastal beauties, valleys, farmlands, and a waterfall safari.
Ready to hit the road? Here are 5 incredible road trips in New South Wales you’ll definitely want to add to your bucket list.
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Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
1. The Kosciuszko Alpine Way
If you love mountains, fresh air, and outdoor adventures, the Kosciuszko Alpine Way is calling your name. Starting in Canberra and winding its way into Kosciuszko National Park, this drive stretches around 500 kilometers through alpine landscapes.
Expect dramatic mountain views, rolling valleys, and plenty of stops to get active. You can go hiking, cycling, fishing, or even kayaking depending on the season. In winter, this region transforms into a snowy wonderland, making it perfect for skiing or snowboarding, Don’t miss a hike to Mount Kosciuszko, see the scenic viewpoints along the Alpine Way, and go for a relaxing soak in natural hot springs near Jindabyne.
2. The Waterfall Way
The Waterfall Way is your ultimate one-day road trip. Stretching just under 200 kilometers, your journey starts at the beautiful Coffs Harbour coast. It takes you through breathtaking waterfall views, green forests, and national parks.
Going past the charming little village of Bellingen, you’ll reach Dorrigo National Park, where you park your car and enjoy the luscious Crystal Shower Waterfall. It has a really cool suspension bridge that you will definitely capture and post on Instagram.
Before ending your trip at Armidale, you’ll have lunch in the town of Dorrigo and then stop at the epic Wollomombi Falls that are a 220m high. The trip is perfect for your weekend escapes as it takes just one day to complete it.
3. The Greater Blue Mountains
If you love getting lost in nature, this trip is for you. It brings you up close with Mother Nature as you pass through mountains and valleys, historic towns, ancient forests, and delectable local cuisine. It’s an incredible 1200-kilometers journey in a loop that starts and ends in Sydney.
The best thing about the trip is the choice it gives you once you reach Lithgow. You and your friends can either vote or decide with a coin toss to go North or South from there. While both routes are extraordinary, the moment (and uncertainty) of the decision adds fun to your trip.
Major highlights of the trip are visiting the iconic Three Sisters in Katoomba, exploring Wollemi National Park, a wine tasting in Hunter Valley and the scenic drives along the Hawkesbury River.
This road trip is perfect if you want variety and love combining nature with food and wine experiences.
4. Darling River Run
Starting in the small town of Walgett, this route follows the flow of Darling River from northern New South Wales and gives you the chance to see birds and animals. This trip follows a rather flexible route than a point A to B kind of drive. You’ll get to enjoy approximately 700 kilometers of pure country goodness.
The Darling River and its tributaries are home to countless birds, mammals, reptiles, and plants. You can spot Emus, Koala bears, and Western Grey Kangaroos in the neighboring wooded regions of the river. Talking about the activities, besides seeing natural scenery and wildlife, you can enjoy fishing and taking a dip in the river.
So what to expect on the Darling River Run road trip? Spotting wildlife like emus, kangaroos, and (if you’re lucky) koalas, camping under star-filled skies, fishing or swimming in the river, and exploring small outback towns and meeting locals
Some parts of this route are unsealed, so a 4WD vehicle is recommended if you want to explore deeper.
5. The Rainforest Way
Taking a road trip along the Rainforest Way is the best way to explore the spectacular rainforests of Australia in northern New South Wales.
Beginning at the iconic Byron Bay, this trip stretches about 200 kilometers. If you are short on time, you can do it in a day. Else, you can truly savor each stop and take two days to complete it. We recommend the latter, because you’ll be spending a total of 9 hours in the car and some rest would be definitely useful.
In any case, you’ll get to enjoy amazing walks and discover breathtaking lookouts as you traverse through World Heritage-Listed Gondwana Rainforests. Also, a part of the trip will be seeing old volcanic plugs, volcanic craters, and spectacular views of the iconic Mount Warning, which is 1159m high.
The final stretch of the trip towards Tabulam will take you through Casino, the Beef Capital of Australia. It’s a large rural town with vast cattle farms, hence the nickname. Overlooking this town will be the green goodness of Richmond Ranges and Tooloom National Park!
Must-see stops are nightcap National Park and Minyon Falls, mount Warning (Wollumbin) views, volcanic landscapes and the rural town of Casino, known as the “Beef Capital of Australia”.
Some useful tips for your New South Wales road trip
Before you go, here are a few tips to make your road trip smooth and stress-free:
- Plan your fuel stops: Especially on longer or remote routes like the Darling River Run
- Download offline maps: Reception can be limited in national parks
- Pack snacks and water: You never know when you’ll find the perfect picnic spot
- Start early: This gives you more time to explore and avoids driving in the dark
- Check road conditions: Some routes may be affected by weather
- Take your time: The beauty of a road trip is not rushing from A to B
- Be prepared for car maintenance: With long distances and varying road conditions, it’s smart to know what to do if something goes wrong. Save sites like DingGo, so you don’t need to roam around asking mechanics for quotes to repair it.
Tip: read this article for more road trip preparation tips!
Travel Insurance
Don’t forget travel insurance for your Australia trip. Heymondo or Safetywing are among the cheapest travel insurances for travelers and cover medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more. As a reader of Girlswanderlust, you’ll receive a 5% discount on your next Heymondo travel insurance.
Conclusion
From waterfalls and rainforests to mountains and outback landscapes, I think New South Wales offers some of the most diverse road trips in Australia. Whether you have one day or a full week, there’s a route here that fits your travel style. So, which one will you add to your itinerary?
If you have any questions about the above mentioned information, feel free to let me know about it in the comment section below.
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Response
I love the drive up from Sydney to the Blue Mountains. Such pretty scenery!