GREAT DRIVES IN NSW

Enjoy the sheer pleasure of the journey with inspirational drives in NSW. Visitors will discover views, wildlife, national parks full of natural wonders, beaches that make the rest of the world envious and quiet country towns with plenty of stories to tell. Essential lifestyle ingredients such as wineries, great regional dining and fantastic places to spend the night cap it all off. Travel slowly and discover a state that is full of adventures.

The Legendary Pacific Coast

Fast facts • A scenic coastal drive north from Sydney to Brisbane in

Queensland.

• Alternatively, fly to Newcastle, Ballina Byron or the Gold Coast and hire a car.

• 940km from start to finish.

Why drive it? Heading north from Sydney along the Pacific Ocean coastline to Brisbane, this scenic drive takes you through some of the most striking landscapes in NSW. An almost continuous line of surf beaches, national parks and a hinterland of rolling green hills and friendly villages make this a great drive.

The Legendary Pacific Coast has many possible themed itineraries:

• Coastal and Aquatic Trail

• Culture, Arts and Heritage Trail

• Food and Wine and Farmers’ Gate Journey

• Legendary Kids Trail

• National Parks and State Forests Nature Trail

• Legendary Surfing Safari

• Backpacker and Working Holiday Trail

• Whale Watching Trail

What can visitors do along the way? • On the Central Coast, drop into a wildlife or reptile park to meet

Australia’s native animals.

• Stop off at the Hunter Valley for cellar door wine tastings and delicious cheeses.

• Take a detour along Bucketts Way through deep forest to the historic villages of Stroud and Gloucester.

• Stop at South West Rocks and visit Smoky Cape Lighthouse for ocean views and to see the historic Trial Bay Gaol.

Norah Head lighthouse, Central Coast

The Big Banana, Coffs Harbour

Dolphin Marine Magic, Coffs Harbour

Current as at 1 April 2017

• Turn west to Bellingen, explore this village and go on to Dorrigo National Park for World Heritage-listed rainforests and waterfalls.

• Take in the wonders of the Coffs Coast - try kayaking or surf lessons, play golf in a rainforest setting or go diving at Solitary Islands Marine Park.

• Turn off at Bangalow and stop for lunch at a café. Meander through green coastal pastures to Byron Bay.

• Enjoy a side trip through the Tweed River Valley, famous for its dramatic World Heritage National Park.

Don’t Miss! • Swing, climb and slide among the trees at a local adventure park in

the Yarramalong Valley in the Central Coast.

• Stockton Sand Dunes, north of Newcastle, for a four-wheel-drive thrill or quad bike adventure.

• An early morning hot-air balloon flight over the vineyards of the Hunter Valley.

• Cruising with dolphins at Port Stephens.

• Myall Lakes National Park where visitors can sail, swim and kayak on the lakes and lagoons.

• The 70 metre long Skywalk, which extends over rainforest in the Dorrigo National Park.

• Sunrise over the Pacific Ocean from Byron Bay Lighthouse.

For more information, including a list of must see and do products, visit www.pacificcoast.com.au

Grand Pacific Drive – Sydney to Wollongong and Beyond

Fast facts • The coastal route south from Sydney, starting in the Royal

National Park, travelling through the coastal towns of Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama then on towards Nowra.

• 140km from start to finish, with opportunities to continue exploring the Southern Highlands, the New South Wales South Coast and Canberra before returning to Sydney, or continuing on to Melbourne.

Why drive it? The Grand Pacific Drive passes through rainforests, seaside villages and along a sensational strip of coastline. The highlight of the Grand Pacific Drive is the 665 metre Sea Cliff Bridge, offering superb views of the Pacific Ocean. The drive ends just north of Nowra, at Bomaderry, from where visitors can turn inland to the Southern Highlands or head further south along the Princess Highway on the Sydney Melbourne Coastal Drive.

Bellingen, North Coast

Brunswick River, Brunswick Heads

Tropical Fruit World, Duranbah

Sea Cliff Bridge

Current as at 1 April 2017

What can visitors do along the way?

• Explore the Royal National Park, the second oldest National Park in the world. Discover rainforests, creeks, secluded beaches and dramatic sandstone headlands.

• Hire a boat, kayak or take a picnic to the Historic Boatshed at Audley.

• Stop at Bald Hill Lookout for an awe-inspiring panorama from Stanwell Tops down the spectacular coastline.

• Visit the popular Austinmer Beach and rock pool, and sample some local gelato.

• Take a stroll around Wollongong Harbour and Flagstaff Hill, with its array of fishing boats and lighthouses.

• Admire the sublime view from 468 metres high at Mt Keira Lookout or follow a scenic bushwalking trail.

• Take a hike along the boardwalk at Minnamurra Rainforest; see native birdlife and stunning scenery.

• View the Kiama blowhole, where waves surge into an underground cave then explode in spectacular style high into the air.

Don’t miss! • The exhilaration of a tandem hang-glide at Stanwell Tops.

• A visit to the largest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere.

• Walking the length of the Sea Cliff Bridge. Parking is available on the southern side of the Bridge.

• A swim in the ocean pool at Austinmer Beach.

• A skydive from 4600 metres over North Wollongong Beach.

• Beer tasting and a tour at a local micro-brewery.

• A tree-top walk with inspiring views over the Illawarra.

For more information including a list of must see and do products, visit www.grandpacificdrive.com.au

Sydney-Melbourne Coastal Drive, Sydney-Melbourne Touring

Fast facts • A meandering drive south from Sydney to Melbourne along the

coastline.

• 1,033km from start to finish.

Why drive it? The Sydney Melbourne Coastal Drive starts with the Grand Pacific Drive and continues south, winding through pretty seaside towns and historic villages, quiet beaches and bays and more than 30 national parks and reserves. Discover some of Australia’s finest cheeses and wineries and sample fresh seafood along the way.

Bald Hill Lookout

Illawarra Fly Zipline Image courtesy of Merlin Entertainments Group

Dining, Wollongong

Skydiving Sydney - Wollongong Image courtesy of Skydive Australia

Current as at 1 April 2017

What can visitors do along the way? • Stop for fish and chips at Kiama, a seaside town amid beautiful

bays and beaches, featuring a famous blowhole.

• Enjoy the fresh produce and award-winning restaurants in Berry, a historic village surrounded by rich dairy country.

• Turn off at Jervis Bay, known for its white sand beaches, marine life and bushwalks through native forests.

• Stop at Murramarang National Park, just north of Batemans Bay. This is one of many national parks along this drive that borders the beach - great for surfing, fishing and walking.

• Take a tour to see Australian fur seals, penguins and native birdlife at Montague Island, off the Narooma coast.

• Browse the arts and craft galleries of Central Tilba and take a hike to the top of Mt Dromedary.

• Visit Eden for a whale or wildlife tour, or join a tour of Mimosa Rocks National Park.

Don’t miss! • The boardwalks and trails through subtropical rainforest in

Minnamurra Rainforest.

• A dolphin-watching cruise from Huskisson in Jervis Bay.

• The big cats and endangered species such as red pandas and ring-tailed lemurs at Mogo Zoo.

• Eastern grey kangaroos enjoying the beach at Murramarang National Park.

• Local award-winning cheeses in Bega.

• Deep sea fishing for yellow fin tuna and black marlin off the coast of Bermagui.

For more information, including a list of must see and do products, visit www.sydneymelbournetouring.com.au

Sydney-Melbourne Heritage Drive, Sydney-Melbourne Touring

Fast facts • The inland drive south from Sydney to Melbourne, via Canberra.

• 1,033km from start to finish.

Why drive it? This inland route from Sydney to Melbourne showcases Australia’s heritage and the ever-changing scenery includes rich farmland, lush national parks, snow-capped high country and the mighty Murray River. Learn about Australia’s pioneering history; from the early settlers and pastoralists to gold miners and river traders. Explore the nation’s capital Canberra, home to Australia’s parliament and many national treasures. Sample the local wines, cheeses and delicious fruits.

Caravan and camping on the South Coast, Kiama

Point Perpendicular, Jervis Bay

Montague Island, South Coast

Minnamurra Headland, Kiama Coast Walk

Drives, Kangaroo Valley

Current as at 1 April 2017

What can visitors do along the way? • Visit The Bradman International Cricket Hall of Fame in Bowral to

learn about the national past-time of cricket and the great legends of the game.

• Browse the many arts and antiques galleries that line the villages of the Southern Highlands, such as Moss Vale or Mittagong.

• Celebrate the region’s rich industrial heritage with a visit to the Rail Heritage Centre in Goulburn, where rail enthusiasts will enjoy seeing a working roundhouse and heritage locomotives.

• See the Big Merino in Goulburn, a giant sheep which stands more than 15m tall and houses an exhibition of Australia’s 200 Year History of Wool. This is a great opportunity to buy some fine Australian Merino wool products and gifts.

• See the famous ‘Dog on a Tuckerbox’ statue in Gundagai which commemorates the efforts of European pioneers who settled in the region.

• Step inside the ‘HMAS Otway’, an ‘O’ class submarine, to learn about Australia’s submarine history and its connection with the landlocked township of Holbrook.

• Fish for famous Murray cod from the gumtree shaded banks of the Murray River.

• Continue to Melbourne via Bendigo.

Don’t Miss! • A refreshing beer and meal at the Goulburn Brewery, which has

been in operation since 1840.

• A stop at the Bungendore Wood Works Gallery to see spectacular artistry and beautiful homewares crafted from Australian timbers.

• A delicious visit to the Poachers Pantry in Hall. This country smokehouse supplies award-winning restaurants with delicious smoked goods. There is also a café and vineyard on-site, making this a perfect lunch stop.

• The National Gallery of Australia in Canberra, which showcases an impressive collection of works by local and international artists.

• The opportunity to learn about the region’s Aboriginal, pioneering and migrant history through engaging interactive exhibitions at Albury’s Library Museum.

• A visit to the Army Museum at Bandiana, the ‘Migrant Experience’ at Block 19, Bonegilla, near Wodonga.

• A cruise on the iconic Murray River aboard a paddle steamer.

• A round of golf at Yarrawonga on the state’s border. There are 45 scenic and challenging holes to enjoy at this championship course.

For more information, including a list of must see and do products, visit www.sydneymelbournetouring.com.au

International Cricket Hall of Fame, Bowral Dee Kramer Photography

Gundagai countryside

Cycling, Albury Albury City Council

Kingfisher Cruises, Barmah Wetlands

Current as at 1 April 2017

Kosciuszko Alpine Way

Fast facts • Travels from Canberra, through the Snowy Mountains high country

and the Kosciuszko National Park, to the Murray River.

• Features history, charm, stunning landscapes and dramatic vistas.

• 441km from start to finish.

• Can be combined with a Sydney – Melbourne drive.

Why drive it? Driving the Kosciuszko Alpine Way is remarkable. The route winds its way through quaint country towns and alpine villages, with breathtaking views of the majestic mountains and sparkling rivers.

What can visitors do along the way? • Sample slow food in the form of locally grown beef, lamb, trout and

more.

• Visit Mt Gladstone lookout just west of Cooma for sweeping views across the peaks of the Snowy Mountains.

• Browse through galleries for a showcase of local art and craft.

• Enjoy Lake Jindabyne with waterskiing, kayaking, sailing, fishing or viewing a sunset.

• Sample pure fruit schnapps at the distillery, made from locally-grown fruits in Thredbo Valley.

• Stay on snow in the picturesque Thredbo Village and take to the ski fields during the snow season (June to October).

• Play a round of golf on Australia’s highest course, overlooking the Thredbo River.

• Discover unique wildflowers and the only glacial lakes found in Australia on a walk in Kosciuszko National Park.

• Stop to take in stunning views of the main mountain range at Scammells Spur lookout.

• Try fly-fishing in rivers, lakes and dams in and around the mountains.

Don’t miss! • A unique horsemanship performance by a fourth generation family

of Australian mountain cattlemen.

• Climbing to the top of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak, a two-hour walk from the top of the Thredbo chairlift.

• Exploring the Snowy Mountains on horseback, on foot or quad bike.

• A visit to the Snowy Hydro Visitor Centres at Cooma and Khancoban, which tell the story of the hydro-electric scheme featuring seven power stations, 16 major dams and 140km of trans-mountain tunnels.

Scenic nature, Alpine Way

Schnapps, Thredbo Valley distillery

Mountain biking Alpine Way

Snowy Mountains

Current as at 1 April 2017

• The perfect picnic spot at Geehi on the Swampy Plains River, with views of the western face of the mountains from top to bottom and the chance of a close encounter with kangaroos.

For more information including a list of must see and do products, visit www.snowymountains.com.au

The Greater Blue Mountains Drive

Fast facts • A series of linked drives and discovery trails that encircle the

Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.

• The 10,000 sq km World Heritage Area includes Wollemi, Yengo, Gardens of Stone, Blue Mountains, Kanangra Boyd, Nattai and Thirlmere Lakes National Parks plus Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve.

• Easily accessible from Sydney via the Hawkesbury Valley, the Southern Highlands region or Glenbrook in the Blue Mountains.

Why drive it? Discover small towns and villages, mountains, bushwalks, museums, wineries, wilderness and wildlife. Enjoy the spectacular views, country markets, botanical wonders and bush-lined creeks.

The Greater Blue Mountains Drive includes 18 Discovery Trails that branch off the main route, each one taking travellers on a unique adventure. The common link is the network of national parks and conservation areas that make up the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. This stretches from the Upper Hunter, to Mudgee, Goulburn, the Southern Highlands and the Hawkesbury.

What can visitors do along the way? • Discover a treasury of native plants and birds at The Australian

Botanic Garden, Mount Annan.

• See the iconic Three Sisters rock formation and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over the Jamison Valley from the Echo Point lookout

• Visit Australia’s oldest and largest rail museum at Thirlmere.

• Take a trip to Jenolan Caves and explore the labyrinth of stalactite-lined limestone chasms carved by underground rivers.

• Pick up fresh apricots, peaches, apples and avocados in season from a roadside stall at Kurrajong.

• Go mountain biking along Narrow Neck at Katoomba or the Woodford-to-Glenbrook Oaks Trail.

• Bushwalk along Aboriginal song lines with a local Aboriginal guide and learn about their creation and spiritual meaning.

• See the sights of Katoomba and Leura on a hop-on, hop-off bus or trolley ride.

• Stroll among the historic buildings of St Albans in the Hawkesbury Valley, Wollombi and Broke.

Scenic World Blue Mountains

Echo Point lookout, Blue Mountains

Karambi Orchard, Bilpin

Ballooning, Hunter Valley

Driving Hunter Valley

Current as at 1 April 2017

Don’t miss! • Remnants of the Great North Road built by convict labour to link

Sydney to the Hunter Valley wine region.

• Spectacular Capertee Valley, the world’s second largest canyon.

• The Wollemi Pine, a living fossil, at The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah.

• Kangaroo spotting in the wild at Euroka Camping and Picnic Area, near Glenbrook.

• Echo Point lookout in Katoomba and Govetts Leap in Blackheath to see pristine wilderness.

• Aboriginal rock art at Blackfellows Hand Rock in Wolgan Valley.

• The world’s steepest railway travelling down to a Jurassic rainforest boardwalk at Katoomba.

• The wineries of Mudgee and the Upper Hunter.

For more information including a list of must see and do products, visit www.greaterbluemountainsdrive.com.au

Driving in New South Wales All major car rental operators have offices at Sydney Airport and in various Sydney city and suburban locations. Many also have regional depots in major towns throughout the state.

Avis Australia Europcar www.avis.com.au www.europcar.com.au Hertz Redspot Car Rentals www.hertz.com.au www.redspot.com.au Thrifty Car Rental www.thrifty.com.au Please remember

• Australians drive on the left hand side of the road.

• All drivers and passengers must wear a seatbelt at all times.

• All drivers must carry a valid driver’s licence at all times when driving.

• Plan your journey and take frequent rest breaks (a break every two hours is recommended)

• Get to know the road rules. www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/safety-rules/road-rules/index.html

• Alcohol and drugs - Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is extremely dangerous and Australia has very serious penalties if you are caught doing this. In Australia, you are not permitted to drive a car if your blood alcohol level is 0.05 per cent or higher. If you hold a probationary or provisional driver’s licence, your blood alcohol level must be zero at all times. Driving after taking drugs that affect your ability to drive is illegal and penalties are severe.

Couple, Sussex Inlet

Couple and their campervan parked alongside Tilligerry Creek, Port Stephens

Stockton Beach

Tallow Beach, Byron Bay

Current as at 1 April 2017

• Mobile phones - You are not permitted to use a handheld mobilephone when driving. This includes making or receiving calls,texting, playing games or web browsing. Check your mobile phoneand data coverage as some areas within Australia are onlyaccessible using satellite phones.

• Driving in rural and remote areas - Driving in rural and remoteareas requires special driving skills and awareness of differentroad conditions.

• Road conditions - Road conditions can vary from a sealed roadsurface to gravel and unsealed roads.

International visitors who intend to drive in Australia for a period of less than three months can use their valid overseas driver’s licence provided it is written in English. If the overseas driver’s licence is not in English, an official English translation or International Driving Permit must be obtained. Please note - regulations may vary between Australian States / Territories, for further details on licencing requirements for international visitors:

www.australia.gov.au/information-and-services/transport-and-regional/driving-with-an-overseas-licence

Many major roads into and out of Sydney are tollways and most do not accept cash payment. Most major car hire companies will provide an e-toll solution as part of their rental agreement.

Alternatively, short-term e-toll passes can be purchased. An eMU (Electronic Motorway User) Pass is a convenient way to travel on Sydney toll roads for a period of up to 30 days: www.myrta.com/wps/portal/extvp/myrta/etoll

Information on Sydney’s motorways and tollways: www.sydneymotorways.com/visitorfastfacts.html

Nimbin Rocks, Nimbin

Couple seated in their campervan Port Stephens

Current as at 1 April 2017

Destination NSW has taken all possible steps to ensure information included within this publication is current, accurate and reliable at the time of publishing. However Destination NSW cannot guarantee that at any time in the future, the information will not be out of date, incorrect or out of context. The contents of this publication have been prepared by Destination NSW in good faith and should not be considered as professional advice. Destination NSW advises the details contained in this publication are based on the best available information at time of printing. This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act, 1968, no part may be reproduced without the prior written permission of Destination NSW. Destination NSW acknowledges and appreciates all photographs and images supplied by photographers and owners for use in this publication. Some information contained in this publication has been provided by third parties, attractions, venues and tour/experience operators and may be subject to change, conditions and availability. Please ask the third party, attractions, venues and tour/experience operators for any additional information (including current terms and conditions) when contacting them. Inclusion of this third party information is not an endorsement of the information or of the supplier nor of its accuracy.