Two NSW Road Trips to Suit Your Mood

Post

Subscribe

Road trips in NSW offer a diverse range of landscapes, from stunning coastlines and lush forests to vast outback regions and quaint country towns. Enjoy a road trip with your family during school holidays or if you're a couple, take in some of the romance of NSW regional towns. And ladies, a road trip with your besties maybe?

Do you want to take a road trip but are unsure where to go? Here are two suggestions for a 4-day and 5-day trip that may be just what you're looking for.

The first one starts at Picton taking in the stunning Southern Highlands and Wollongong's coastline. The second starts in Newcastle with its amazing surf beaches and cafe culture then to the Central Coast and the Hunter Valley wine region. Are you in the mood for heritage scenes and long winding roads or discovering Newcastle's best cafes and the best the Hunter Valley offers?

Take your time and stay overnight in each town if that takes your fancy, extending your road trip may have you finding more treasures in the historic villages or seaside delights.

1. Heritage Treasures and Highlights


Day 1 - Picton
Starting your trip from Sydney, Picton is 85km southwest or from Wollongong it is 47km northwest. The history of this town dates back to the first European settlers, it is dotted with buildings and railway tunnels built in the 19th Century. You'll be greeted by the Picton Clock Tower, the George IV Inn where The Stonequarry Bar & Grill serves fresh food and drinks for thirsty travellers as you enjoy discovering Piction through its tree-lined streets.

Picton also has a botanic garden with native and exotic flora and the Mowbray Park Farmstay, a working farm with pony rides or you can feed the animals, milk cows and collect eggs.

Where to Stay
There are lovely hotels and apartments to stay in Picton, again, the one you choose will depend on your mood. My pick would be the Picton Waterfront Apartments but there is also the Picton Yacht Club Hotel that caught my eye.


Day 1 - Thirlmere
Head south for 40 minutes to explore Thirlmere, another historic village with an impressive rail history as it is where the Great Southern Railway line was constructed in the 1860s. The NSW Rail Museum is where you will learn more about the rail history.

Thirlmere is on the edge of Nattai National Park where you'll find Cedar Creek Orchard to discover a myriad of fresh fruit. Warragamba Dam, the largest concrete dam in Australia, is also nearby if you want to check out Sydney's largest water supply.

If you enjoy hiking, then Thirlmere Lakes National Park is a must-see. And there is more trekking at Mermaid Pools on the Bargo River, the beginning of Tahmoor Gorge, where Instagrammable waterfalls and wildlife abound.

Where to Stay
There are lovely boutique-style hotels in Thirlmere. The Lodge in the Vale and The Old Vicarage are two historic ones you can check out.


Day 1 - Berrima
A 45-minute drive brings Day 1 of this trip through history to a close at one of my favourite towns of the Southern Highlands, Berrima, a quaint Georgian town. The Berrima District Museum has all you need to know about the preservation of this town. Take time to explore the lovely sandstone buildings that house gorgeous antique shops, cafes and the Surveyor General Inn. This inn dates back to the 1800s and was frequented by Cobb & Co coach passengers.

PepperGreen Estate offers local food and wine along with Bendooley Estate where you can enjoy the delights at its cellar door. I enjoy visiting this estate's HQ of Berkelouw Books with its rare books housed under a cathedral ceiling. Eden Brewery is a nice place to try tasty ales and ciders.

Where to Stay
Depending on your budget, this area has accommodation starting from $150 per night to $800+. Peppers Manor House and Oldbury Cottage are two lovely places to stay.


Day 2 - Bowral
Bowral is about 90 minutes southwest of Sydney and offers charming country landscapes, historic architecture, and beautiful gardens. But as you're already in Berrima, it is only a short drive away. Two of the highlights are the annual Tulip Time Festival where 75,000 blooms are on display during September and Bowral is the home of cricket legend, Sir Donald Bradman. Find out about him and the game at the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame.

I enjoy visiting Bowral and over the years have been there during all the seasons, each one as pretty as the next. My favourite things are the flower festival, visiting the nearby vineyards and browsing the cute shops and cafes on the main street.

Where to Stay
If you like old-world charm, then stay at Peppers Craigieburn. If this is out of your budget, there are lovely hotels, bed & breakfasts and rental properties to stay in as well.


Day 2 - Kangaroo Valley
In 40 minutes you can drive to rainforest-covered Kangaroo Valley, home to Fitzroy Falls with its boardwalks showing off the cascade of 81m of stunning waterfalls to the valley. Also, drive along the Hampden Bridge with its gothic sandstone towers, Australia's last surviving wooden suspension bridge.

Where to Stay
There is hotel accommodation available but check out some of the beautiful homes for short stays, there are many on offer.


Day 3 - Berry
Another 40-minute drive east and you'll see the Cambewarra Range and Budderoo National Park as you reach Berry. Visiting Berry is another favourite place of mine and always starts with a visit to the 55-year-old Berry Donut Van for one of their famous cinnamon doughnuts. And buy some for later too.

Gerroa is north of here with its pristine beaches and then a visit to Crooked River Wines to savour local oysters and other local food at the restaurant.

Where to Stay
Berry is another place where you will find beautiful homes for rent, bed & breakfasts and farm stays if you decide to stay a little longer.


Day 4 - Kiama
On your way to Kiama, stop at Saddleback Mountain Lookout for a spectacular view of forest and farmland to the Pacific Ocean. The Kiama Coastal Walk takes in 20km from the Minnamurra River in the north to Gerringong in the south, including the Kiama Blowhole that can spout up to 30m. Break up the walk to also see the Kiama Arts Trail, which shows off the creativity of the town's artists.

Kiama was a place I visited often as a teenager and whenever we had visitors from interstate or overseas, Kiama and its famous blowhole was always on the list of places to see.

Where to Stay
Accommodation here ranges from the luxury of The Sebel Kiama to ocean-view beach apartments through to holiday parks.

That's the end of trip 1. I enjoy visiting historical towns with their unique architecture and hearing what has shaped the town's history. Having visited much of this area, this is a road trip I know you will find both educational and interesting.

2. From Coastal Views to Inland Wonders


Day 1 - Newcastle
This second road trip takes in two of my favourite places north of Sydney - the Hunter Valley and the Central Coast. Starting in the cosmopolitan city of Newcastle with its cool cafes and surf beaches, you will venture to the Central Coast and Hunter Valley, where you will be sure to find stunning views and savour wines from the best of the Hunter Valley vineyards.

Where to Stay
There is no shortage of places to stay in Newcastle with nearly 200 hotels ranging from budget to luxury. Check out the bed & breakfasts and family-friendly homes available too.


Day 1 - Lake Macquarie
With a laidback lifestyle and lots of adventure sports, Lake Macquarie is the northern tip of the Central Coast. There are beach trails and bush walks to while away the hours, or for the more adventurous, try the many water sports available. Catherine Hill Bay Beach has been featured twice in the '101 Best Australian Beaches' list, a perfect spot to feature in your Instagram feed.

Where to Stay
There are resort-style places to stay here but the smaller cottages along the lake are worth looking at too.


Day 2 - Central Coast
Drive south to the stunning Central Coast. Home to many coastal towns with pristine beaches, inlets and coves. Visit the Ourimbah State Forest to discover the many hikes and trails for all levels of fitness.

Every year in February a group of us stays in Killcare, where you will find the peaceful Putty Beach and the Boudi National Park. This national park has many bush trails taking in 8km of scenic splendour down to the beach. You may spot a whale or two migrating up north from June to November.

Where to Stay
When we're on the Central Coast we rent a short-stay home in Killcare, there are many of these available. If your budget allows it, Kim's Beachside Retreat is a luxurious and relaxing place to stay.


Day 3 - Gosford
Brisbane Waters is the backdrop to Gosford where you can discover adventurous outdoor activities as well as enjoy local food and drink delights. Home to the Broken Bay Pearl Farm, the Australian Reptile Park and Somersby Falls Picnic Area, these are all great places to visit. There are many award-winning restaurants, distilleries and bars to sample the gourmet delights of the area too.

Where to Stay
Again, Gosford has no shortage of places to stay from budget to family-friendly hotels to seaside resorts.


Day 3 - Glenworth Valley
This valley is 3,000 acres of beautiful hinterland where you can choose to discover the luxurious rainforest, take a horse ride along private trails, or do some kayaking at Popran Creek. There are areas to camp and even glamping if that takes your fancy. There is much natural beauty to find in this, at times, mist-shrouded valley.

Friends and I have spent many horse riding holidays here, it is a beautiful part of the Central Coast if you want something different to do than your usual beach holiday.

Where to Stay
Here you can stay in eco-friendly villas, bed & breakfasts and the many holiday homes available.


Day 4 - Hunter Valley
Satisfy all your senses once you arrive in the Hunter Valley after travelling along the Tourist Drive 33 and the historic Convict Trail where rolling hills draped in vineyards abound in Australia's oldest wine region. This region is well-known for great cellar door experiences, delicious local food and the accommodation ranges from luxurious hotels and resorts to grand manors, or the local inns and pubs.

Where to Stay
From resorts, retreats, and vineyards with accommodation, the Hunter Valley offers accommodation for all sorts of budgets.


Day 5 - Maitland and Morpeth
The last stop of this 5-day trip is actually two stops. Both are riverside towns with colonial heritage where modern yet quirky cafes, shops and galleries blend with the old-world charm of colonial architecture and narrow laneways.

Places you can visit in Maitland are the Regional Art Gallery, The Levee for food, drink and local shops, and there are four libraries here to browse books and find some quiet time.

Morpeth has an antique centre, gallery and museum to discover, or you can visit the historic Arnott Bakehouse, Campbell Store, and a brewery. If you enjoy anything macabre and ghostly, then do the Hunter Valley Ghost Tour.

Where to Stay
Boutique hotels, villas and cottages are available for short stays in both Maitland and Morpeth. Also, rental properties and local pub-style accommodation too.

Well, that brings us to the end of two NSW road trips you can choose from. The first one is 210kms and the second is 280kms one way depending on where you start from. You have the option of backtracking the same way home or discovering different areas as you meander your way home. Whatever you decide, you will see spectacular scenery, eat great food and experience lovely towns in regional NSW.

Images in this article are courtesy of the VistNSW website. For more information about NSW road trips visit the VisitNSW website


#road_trips
#adventure
#short_stays
#holidays
#outdoors
#visitnsw
#arts_culture
#family_friendly
#horseriding
#beaches
#bushwalks
#school_holiday_activities
#girls_trip

%wnnewcastle
%wnwollongong
%wnsydney