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
To the west is the Great Dividing Range, green pastures, rainforests,
sleepy villages and waterfalls. Along the coast is an almost continuous
line of beaches and rocky headlands.
The Legendary Pacific Coast has many possible themed itineraries:
Culture and Heritage Trail
Food and Wine / Farm Gate Journey
National Parks Trail
Surfing Safari
Backpacker / Working Holiday
What can visitors do along the way?
On the Central Coast, drop into a wildlife or reptile park to meet
Australias 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.
Turn west to Bellingen, explore this New Age village and go on to
Dorrigo National Park for World Heritage-listed rainforests and
waterfalls.
Take in the wonders of the Coffs Coast - try surf rafting, kayaking or
surf lessons, play golf in a rainforest setting or go diving at Solitary
Islands Marine Park.

Current as at 1 March 2013

Stroll through Grafton, renowned for its tree-lined streets, architecture

and Grafton Regional Gallery.
Turn off at Bangalow and stop for lunch at a caf. 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.
Dont 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.
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 70m long Skywalk, which extends over rainforest in 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 to Melbourne.
Why drive it
The Grand Pacific Drive passes through rainforests, seaside villages and
along a sensational strip of coastline.
The scenic climax of Grand Pacific Drive is the 665m Sea Cliff Bridge,
which swerves out from the cliffs above the pounding sea. 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 Princes Highway
on the Sydney Melbourne Coastal Drive.
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.

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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 view from 468m 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 Kiamas blowhole, where waves surge into an underground
cavity and explode high into the air.
Dont 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 4600m 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 Touring

Fast facts
A meandering drive south from Sydney to Melbourne, either along the
coastline or via the inland heritage route.
1,039km from start to finish
Why drive it
The Sydney Melbourne Coastal Drive starts with the Grand Pacific Drive
and continues south, winding through rustic country towns and fishing
villages, through tangled forests and along sandy tracks leading to ocean
lookouts. Discover some of Australias finest cheeses and wineries and
sample fresh seafood along the way.
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.
Sample the rustic delights of 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.

Current as at 1 March 2013

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.
Dont 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 ringtailed lemurs in Mogo.
Eastern grey kangaroos enjoying the beach at Murramarang National
Park.
Local award-winning cheeses in Bega.
The pretty woodland garden set on four acres at Tilba Tilba.
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, and
suggestions for an alternative inland Sydney-Melbourne Heritage Drive,
visit www.sydneymelbournetouring.com.au

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 regardless of the
season. Whether swishing down winter slopes, admiring spring
wildflowers or rambling through parklands ablaze with autumn colour,
there are plenty of invigorating experiences in the fresh mountain air. The
route winds its way through quaint country towns and alpine villages with
historic homesteads, 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.

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Stay on snow in picturesque Thredbo Village and take to the ski fields
during the snow season (June to October).
Play a round of golf on Australias 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.
Dont miss
A unique horsemanship performance by a fourth generation family of
Australian mountain cattlemen.
Climbing to the top of Mount Kosciuszko, Australias 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.
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 a kangaroo.
For more information including a list of must see and do products, visit
www.alpineway.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
Easy accessible from Sydney via the Hawkesbury Valley, the
Southern Highlands region or Glenbrook in the Blue Mountains
Why drive it
This is a journey to challenge, captivate and stimulate. Discover rustic
towns and villages, mountains, bushwalks, museums, wineries,
wilderness and wildlife. There are 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 which stretches from the Upper Hunter, to Mudgee,
Goulburn, the Southern Highlands and the Hawkesbury.

Current as at 1 March 2013

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
in Katoomba.
Visit Australias oldest and largest rail museum at Thirlmere or enjoy a
steam engine ride near Lithgow.
Take a trip to Jenolan Caves and explore the labyrinth of stalactitelined limestone chasms carved by underground rivers.
Pick up fresh apricots, peaches, apples and avocadoes in season
from a roadside stall at Kurrajong.
Go mountain biking along Narrowneck at Katoomba or the Woodfordto-Glenbrook Oaks Trail.
Bushwalk along Aboriginal songlines 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 ride.
Stroll among the historic buildings of St Albans in the Hawkesbury
Valley, Wollombi and Broke.
Camp at Dunns Swamp and take a boat tour or hire a canoe to
explore the quiet waterways.
Explore the beautiful Megalong Valley on horseback.
Dont miss
Remnants of the Great North Road built by convict labour to link
Sydney to the Hunter Valley, where visitors can sample some of
Australias most delectable wines.
Spectacular Capertee Valley, the worlds second largest canyon.
The eerie lights of Glow Worm Tunnel and Newnes Plateau.
The Wollemi Pine, a living fossil, at Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens.
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 worlds steepest inclined railway and 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

Current as at 1 March 2013