Wales | Australia
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Australia is home to some of the most amazing coastlines in the world, and with its great smooth roads, it makes it a perfect place to take one hell of an amazing road trip. New South Wales is located on the East coast of Australia and is filled with gorgeous natural attractions.
Check out some of the most amazing road trips in New South Wales below and get excited about your trip!
Rainforest Way
Travel to the World Heritage listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, and enjoy some of the most extensive areas of subtropical rainforest in the world. There are over 10 different routes to choose from, starting at the northern end of New South Wales all the way through to the South of Queensland.
Explore the rainforests that once covered the supercontinent Gondwana. Take the Hinterland Way Scenic Drive and pass by beautiful waterfalls and sprawling farmlands in the Byron hinterlands. Be sure to stopover at bohemian valley Nimbin. Nimbin is renowned for its alternative living since communes moved there in the ‘70s and has a thriving arts community as well as great seasonal produce and markets.
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The Greater Blue Mountains Drive
The Blue Mountains are a popular tourist destination in New South Wales. The natural wonderland offers stunning views as well as lots of open-air activities, including hiking, bushwalks, rock climbing, caving, cycling, canyoning and abseiling.
The Greater Blue Mountains Drive is the network of national parks and reservation areas that makes what is known as the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Located a short drive from the west of Sydney, the best way to see as much of this amazing region as possible is to base yourself at one of the small townships in the surrounding areas of the Blue Mountains. If you’re looking to go off the beaten track there are 18 unique backroad discovery trails off the main trail.
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The Grand Pacific Drive
The Grand Pacific Drive is a spectacular coastal drive along the east coast of New South Wales. Starting in Sydney at the Royal National Park, the 140 km route passes through the seaside towns of Wollongong, Kiama, Shellharbour and Shoalhaven. Be cautious of the windy and twisted roads as they can get quite fast and narrow real quick. Make sure you take a break at Stanwell tops right after the Royal National Park. This lookout oversees Wollongong and the great coastline from above, with many visitors paragliding from the spot.
Further along the road you’ll get to experience driving across the famous Sea Cliff Bridge. The bridge snakes over the clear ocean giving you the opportunity to peek at sea creatures between jagged cliffs.
The route ends on the southernly Sapphire Coast which is known for its white sand beaches and calm, crystal waters perfect for snorkelling, surfing and other outdoor activities.
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Waterfall Way
Discover stunning waterfalls and a range of terrains on The Waterfall Way that passes through rainforests, woodlands and farmlands, getting up close and personal with Australia’s flora and fauna. The 191 km scenic route goes from Coffs Harbour to Armidale.
The route begins at Coffs Harbour, on the north coast of NSW. Coffs Harbour is known for its amazing surf beaches. Perfect for relaxing with friends or watersports with the family. The widely popular Big Banana is also situated here.
You’ll pass five national parks on the journey through the tablelands of the New England region. Be sure to stop off at Dorrigo National Park, home to three gorgeous waterfalls – Ebor Falls, Mihi Falls and Dangar Falls. This tropical rainforest has an amazing raised walk for those perfect kodak moments.
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Darling River Run
Take a road trip along The Darling River Run for an outback adventure. The 730 km route follows the Darling River, starting at the old town of Walgett in north-western NSW. Stop off along the way and visit the small but culture-rich old port towns of Bourke, Tilpa, Louth and Wilcannia before arriving at the historic town of Wentworth on the outskirts of the Victorian border.
If you’re looking for a challenge, this long trail through outback Australia has a range of terrains suited to an experienced driver. The route would be served better in a 4WD, but there are a number of side routes available along the river.
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Touring companies may provide guided tours for any one of these routes. But if you would prefer to go on a self-drive tour with your own car or you decide to rent a car, make sure you check the route thoroughly. These short and long trips should not be taken lightly, and should be well prepared in advance. Have an emergency kit at hand, tyres checked, engine fluids topped up, car battery full and the car in top notch before attempting these drives.
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