New South Wales is built for road trips — coastal drives, mountain passes, wine regions and outback highways all within reach of Sydney. But a great Australian road trip takes a little planning. Here are the essential NSW road trip tips to get you started, plus the drives worth your time.
1. Pick the right route for your time
Short on days? The Grand Pacific Drive south of Sydney packs coast, rainforest and the Sea Cliff Bridge into a single day. Got a week? String together the coast to Byron Bay or loop inland through wine country. Browse our NSW road trips for ready-made itineraries with distances and stops.
2. Plan your fuel and distances
Australia is bigger than it looks on a map. Outside the coast and cities, towns and petrol stations can be far apart, so fill up when you can and never let the tank drop below a quarter in remote areas. Download offline maps — mobile coverage disappears in the bush.
3. Drive to the conditions — and the wildlife
Australians drive on the left. Avoid driving at dawn, dusk and night in regional areas, when kangaroos and wombats are most active on the roads — wildlife strikes are the biggest rural driving hazard. Watch for road trains and take regular breaks; fatigue is deadly on long straight highways.
4. Build in time for the detours
The best parts of a road trip are rarely on the highway. Leave room for the lookouts, the hidden beaches and the small-town bakeries. Our hidden places guide is full of worthwhile stops just off the main routes.
5. Time it with the seasons and events
Spring and autumn are ideal for NSW road trips — mild weather and quiet roads. Check for regional festivals and floral shows along your route on our Events in NSW page, and see the best time to visit Australia for regional timing.
6. Pack the essentials
Carry plenty of water, sun protection, a physical map, a first-aid kit and warm layers (nights get cold inland, even in summer). If you are heading truly remote, tell someone your route and expected arrival.
The best road trips in NSW
- Grand Pacific Drive — Sydney to the Illawarra coast and Sea Cliff Bridge.
- Sydney to Byron Bay — the classic east-coast beach run.
- Blue Mountains and beyond — clifftop towns and the road west.
- Southern Highlands and wine country — cellar doors and cool-climate villages.
Find full itineraries on our road trips page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which side of the road do you drive on in Australia?
The left. If you are used to driving on the right, take extra care at intersections and roundabouts, and consider practising in a quiet area first.
What is the biggest driving hazard in regional NSW?
Wildlife, especially kangaroos, which are most active at dawn, dusk and night. Avoid driving in the dark on country roads, and slow down when you see wildlife signs.
How far apart are petrol stations in NSW?
On the coast and near cities, frequently; in the outback they can be 100 km or more apart. Fill up whenever you can and keep the tank above a quarter in remote areas.
What is the best short road trip from Sydney?
The Grand Pacific Drive south to the Illawarra — coast, rainforest and the Sea Cliff Bridge — is a superb day trip, easily done in a single day.
