7 Amazing New South Wales Day Trips That Are Worth The Drive
If you have ever wanted to travel the coastline of New South Wales, here is your sign to do so. These seven different day trips will take you through some of the most picturesque, culture-filled towns, breathtaking landscapes, and prime spots for wildlife in all of Australia. Whether you would like to delve into the Aboriginal lifestyle and connection to the land or take an ecologist's perspective and learn about the progressive environment, there are many avenues to spark your interest. Make memories throughout amazing New South Wales day trips, all a short drive from the capital of Sydney.
The Blue Mountains
Full of rich history, the Blue Mountains were once an impassable barrier, but they are currently a significant gateway to the Western portion of New South Wales and make one of the best day trips from Sydney, the state's capital. The route takes approximately 1.5 hours and consists of hopping on the M4 motorway west and transitioning into the Great Western Highway for 90km. On the drive, there are some fantastic highlights, such as stopping at Glenbrook Village, browsing the available boutique shops, and eating at the Bakehouse on Wentworth.
Lapstone Lookout is nearby, featuring a 1.7-mile trail with panoramic views of the Nepean River. The Blue Mountains boast natural attractions like the Three Sisters at Echo Point, an iconic sandstone formation, as well as man-made marvels such as Scenic World, which features the world’s steepest railway, and the SkyWay with its glass floor that offers spectacular views of the Jamieson Valley. After a day of exploring, Leura Mall presents a charming street lined with fashionable boutiques, galleries, and cafes, including Leura Gourmet.
Kangaroo Valley
Kangaroo Valley, roughly two hours from Sydney, is situated between the Southern Highlands and South Coast of New South Wales, making it a perfect day trip destination. To get there, head south on the Hume Motorway (M31) and follow signs to Kangaroo Valley Road, covering about 160 km overall. During your drive, you can visit Fitzroy Waterfall in Morton National Park, one of the area's most popular waterfalls. Stop at the visitor center to learn about the local ecology and pick up a souvenir. Don't miss the Robertson Pie Shop, a beloved local spot since 1961, renowned for its savory meat pies.
Rich in history, Kangaroo Valley provides many historical insights; visit Hampden Bridge, the last remaining wooden suspension bridge in Australia from the 19th century—an impressive local landmark. Continue exploring the past at Pioneer Village Museum Kangaroo Valley, where you can see restored buildings, heritage exhibits, antiques, vehicles, and artifacts from early settlers. The Friendly Inn Hotel and the Kangaroo Valley Fudge and Tea House showcase two sides of the same experience—delicious cuisine, craft beers, and homemade sweets that also make great souvenirs.
Bowral and the Southern Highlands
Bowral is known as the main hub of the Southern Highlands and is often referred to as the region's "best-kept secret." This New South Wales day trip takes about 1.5 hours from Sydney and involves traveling along the Hume Motorway and then taking the Old Hume Highway. Full of unique stops, Bowral and the Southern Highlands will not disappoint. The Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame pays tribute to cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman, and Dirty Janes offers the chance to explore rare finds, from furniture to art, from over 80 different vendors.
Bowral offers insight into country life, and Corbett Gardens is the perfect place to start—one of the area's oldest parks, famous for its tulip displays during its annual Tulip Time festival in September. Mount Gibraltar is a significant landmark and the tallest point between Sydney and Canberra. The nearby Mount Gibraltar Reserve features historical plaques that tell Bowral's story. Some hotspots within the town include Harry’s on Green Lane, which offers impressive gourmet dishes.
Berry
Berry is a small village about two hours from Sydney by car, but don't let the drive deter you. This small town is formidable and offers all the trimmings of an ideal country town—but with an unusually vast array of things to do for a town its size. This day trip takes you along the Princes Highway (M1), going South for 145km. While traveling, you will discover some key features of the area, such as the Kiama Blowhole, a sea-cliffed cavern carved by ancient volcanic lava—a natural wonder. The four-time generation Treat Factory and Dairy Bar is right in Berry, with perfectly crafted confectionary products like chocolate and gelato.
Berry has a rich farming history you can learn about at the Berry Museum, where donated records from the local community showcase the agricultural, dairying, and timber industries. Between Kiama and Nowra is the Seven Mile Beach National Park, which offers calming ocean views, strolls, and birdwatching. Beyond the town's past, its present inhabitants have added their own wholesome charm—Berry Donut Van is a local icon, perfecting the perfect cinnamon donut since 1974, and Milkwood Bakery blesses the locals with its organic artisanal bread and pastries.
Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay, home to two national parks, seems to have it all. The three-hour, 200-km drive from Sydney along the Princes Highway to Huskisson is lengthy but rewarding with abundant wildlife, coastal scenery, and heritage, making it one of the top drives in New South Wales. Several towns are worth stopping at along the way. Gerrigong offers stunning coastal views, and locals often visit The Blue Swimmer for a meal. Shoalhaven Heads is another charming town where visitors can enjoy wine tastings at the historic Coolangatta Estate, established in the early 19th century.
Highlights of this day trip include Hyams Beach, famous for its powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters, offering a relaxing escape. Booderee National Park features a botanical garden where visitors can explore bush tucker, medicinal plants, and learn about the Koori People, the area's indigenous community. Later, the Pilgrims Vegetarian Cafe in Milton promotes a healthy lifestyle with locally sourced ingredients, perfect for a quick, wholesome bite. Finish the day at Huskisson Pictures, a historic cinema where you can relax and enjoy a family movie.
Mudgee
If you are looking for a coastal escape, a day trip to the town of Mudgee will do the trick. Just over a three-hour drive from Sydney, totaling 260km, Mudgee is a must-see with over 150 years of wine-making history.
History is a central theme in Mudgee, with Gulgong's Historic Streetscape showcasing well-preserved 19th-century architecture. Combined with the Mudgee Heritage Walk, visitors can explore key highlights of colonial style and local history. In homage to local traditions, The Lowe Family Wine Co. operates on Wiredjuri land home to the area's traditional custodians. The Lowe Family maintains cultural ties by blending heritage with winemaking, producing high-quality organic wines. For a casual bite, Mudgee Brewing Co. offers a rustic setting as both a restaurant and microbrewery, featuring live entertainment for a vibrant atmosphere.
Tilba Tilba
Beneath the foothills of Mount Gulaga lies Tilba Tilba, one of two colonial villages near the mountain, filled with cheese, wine, art, and nature. You will take the Princes Highway south for a four- to five-hour trip totaling about 365 km. Along the scenic drive, you will pass Batemans Bay, where you can eat fresh seafood and enjoy beachside views, as well as Gulaga National Park. Mogo Wildlife Park allows you to have close encounters with exotic animals, such as lions and tigers, and even feed them.
Central Tilba features a charming heritage village filled with boutique shops and cafes perfect for afternoon shopping. For outdoor enthusiasts, Mount Gulaga offers a scenic hike and an opportunity to connect with Aboriginal culture. Culinary delights are a highlight, with Tilba Dairy renowned for its award-winning cheeses and artisanal dairy products. The Dromedary Hotel, a classic country pub, provides hearty meals as a perfect final stop on your drive home.
Discover New South Wales' Most Enchanting Drives
Each of these top day trips along New South Wales's coast is definitely worth the drive. Every town offers a mix of heritage, delicious food, and unique boutiques tailored to each place. From the sparkling waterfalls and green parks of Kangaroo Valley to the colonial history and architecture of Tilba Tilba, these day trips have something for everyone. Enjoy the sand, sun, and sea, along with scenic views of the mountains while driving. And perhaps you'll even gain a new outlook on life after one or more of these fulfilling adventures.
