The Ultimate Average Australian Road Trip Planner
There’s nothing quite like jumping in the car, a boot full of snacks, your AUX DJ by your side with playlists lined up, and heading off with no strict plans of where you are going.
Road trips are part of the Australian travel DNA, and New South Wales makes it easy for anyone to enjoy a getaway packed with its incredible beaches, historic sites, great food, and cultural experiences.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a local taking a long weekend or an international traveller keen to explore further afield than Sydney, there is plenty to see and do in NSW.
Here, this guide will help you plan a great adventure that is affordable and full of new, uncharted experiences for you and your passengers without needing a 4WD or a massive budget.
Why NSW Is Made for Road Trips
NSW is an incredibly road trip-friendly state. It offers a wide range of landscapes that are close enough together to make travel manageable, but diverse enough to keep things exciting.
Within a few hours’ drive, you can go from golden beaches to cool-climate wine regions or into rugged bushland and national parks. And you can do this on a road network that is very well maintained.
The state has a great mix of small coastal towns, charming inland villages, and regional centres that enable you to enjoy lazy days at the beach and scenic lookouts, or fresh produce trails that will tantalise your taste buds.
Don’t forget New Zealand, too?
If you are visiting from overseas, you might want to sneak in a quick trip to New Zealand, too. Reached via a short flight across the Tasman, it is just as good a road trip destination as New South Wales.
You’ll need to be organised if you do head over there, which is why it is a good idea to use this NZ road trip planner.
It’s packed with ready-made itineraries and travel tips for seeing the best of Aotearoa by car and is the perfect companion if you’re planning to explore both sides of the ditch on the same holiday.
How Long Should an Average NSW Road Trip Be?
The ideal length of your road trip depends on how much time you have available and what you want to see.
Many visitors choose to come here on a long weekend getaway of three or four days, which is more than enough time to explore places like the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, or South Coast at a relaxed pace.
If you’ve got a week, you could plan a loop from Sydney up the North Coast, with stops at Port Stephens, Forster, and Coffs Harbour. However, if you have got two weeks spare, you could even go as far north as Byron Bay or inland through the New England region and return via Tamworth or the Central Tablelands.
Ultimately, it’s not about covering huge distances. It should be about choosing 4 to 6 destinations and enjoying the drive between them.
Budgeting for Your NSW Road Trip
A road trip across NSW doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, it is as inexpensive or expensive as you want it to be.
For instance, budget-conscious travellers can stick to motels, campsites, and holiday parks, while those wanting a touch of comfort will find boutique stays and family-run B&Bs in most regions.
On any road trip, fuel is likely to be a big cost. So, expect to pay around $200 for a 1,000km round trip in a standard vehicle. Meals will also be a hefty expense if you plan to eat out all the time. Therefore, it’s a good idea to bring some groceries with you to keep food costs manageable.
It’s worth pointing out that many of the best attractions in NSW, such as national parks and coastal walks, are either free or low-cost, which should make it easier to stretch your budget across a longer trip.
Best Time of Year to Hit the Road
NSW is a destination you can visit all year round, but as you can imagine, each season offers a slightly different experience.
Summer, for example, is ideal for coastal trips, as it’s a time when there are long days, warm nights, and great beach weather. However, it’s also the peak holiday season, so you’ll need to book accommodation early and should expect higher prices.
On the other hand, autumn is perfect for wine regions and country drives, especially as the changing colours and mild days make for relaxed travelling.
In some parts of the state, winter brings snow to the alpine areas and quieter coastlines, while spring bursts with wildflowers and fresh green landscapes.
When planning your trip, it is important to think about what you want to see and take the weather into account when scheduling.
Must-See Stops on a Classic NSW Road Trip
There are plenty of popular and under-the-radar destinations worth including in your NSW itinerary. For many, the Blue Mountains is a must-visit spot, which is famous for its cliff-top walks, iconic geological formations, such as the Three Sisters, eucalyptus forests, and quaint villages.
Heading south, the Grand Pacific Drive takes you across the dramatic Sea Cliff Bridge and through gorgeous coastal towns like Kiama and Berry. Additionally, Port Stephens, north of Newcastle, offers calm bays, dolphin cruises and sand dune adventures.
If you love wine, you will feel at home in Mudgee, which boasts a laid-back atmosphere and excellent cellar doors. Alternatively, if you’re venturing north, Byron Bay delivers ocean views, live music and a bohemian buzz.
Elsewhere, for a change of scenery, the alpine region around Kosciuszko National Park offers cool mountain air and breathtaking snowy landscapes in winter.
With these options, plan your next Australian (or international) roadtrip with these tips in mind. You will be well prepared to explore every nook and cranny of New South Wales beautiful nature, urban landscapes and stunning beaches. Go on, fill up your car, gather your duffel with clothes and put the pedal to the metal! The great outdoors awaits.