New South Wales is one of Australia's most scenically diverse states. It's renowned for its vibrant coastal towns and breathtakingly beautiful seascapes! And let's not forget the national parks, home to a wealth of incredible flora and fauna. This territory in south-east Australia is best explored on a road trip by car or van. Two coastal roads offer travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the many facets of New South Wales. You'll pass by the must-see sites, but you won't hesitate to go off the beaten track either, to experience moments of plenitude by the ocean, enjoy nature, stop off in sparkling towns and meet the Australian people. From Sydney to Melbourne, including the Grand Pacific Drive or Legendary Pacific Coast Drive, which will you choose for your next road-trip in New South Wales?
1. Coastal road trip from Sydney to Melbourne
New South Wales is a multifaceted and fascinating state. A road trip from Sydney to Melbourne along the coast promises a hair-raising adventure, with breathtaking scenery around every bend. After visiting Sydney and its iconic neighborhoods, you'll take the Harbour Bridge with its view of the Sydney Opera House, then head for the coastline and its fascinating panoramas of the sea. It's time tofollow the Grand Pacific Drive. Over a distance of 140 km, this mythical road follows part of the coastline of Australia's most famous state.
This itinerary, ideally completed between November and April during the austral summer, leads to numerous stops where you can forge lasting memories. Starting with the Royal National Park, one of New South Wales' must-see places for hiking and the second oldest national park in the world. Here, you'll pass from beaches and small coves to charming river valleys where you can enjoy nature at its best. Further afield, Stanwell Park is a charming seaside town with a picturesque beach. Paragliding from Bald Hill allows you to take full advantage of the beauty of the coastal environment.
Still heading south, the famous Sea Cliff Bridge, 665 m long, offers breathtaking views of the cliffs plunging into the sea. The next stage takes us to Wollongong, a vibrant coastal town with a lively promenade, beautiful beaches, local markets and restaurants serving fresh seafood. Then it's time to venture into one of New South Wales' most beautiful bays, that of Jervis Baywith its crystal-clear waters. One of the local treasures is Booderee National Park, with its short hiking trails, white sandy beaches, Aboriginal sites and even a botanical garden. Wildlife watching is a must when visiting Jervis Bay and Booderee National Park. You'll come across echidnas, swamp and sea wallabies, dolphins and seals. From May to November, humpback and southern right whales converge on the bay.
As the Grand Pacific Drive draws to a close, travellers have the option of continuing south towards Melbourne. And they'd be wrong not to! If only to enjoy the next stop on the New South Wales coast, at Pebbly Beach. Here, you can swim in the clear waters under the watchful eye of sunbathing kangaroos. Surfing can also be discovered on beaches such as Batemans Bay. The coastal town is also appreciated for its immense forests. As for seafood lovers, they're in for a treat!
Culture is also part of the trip. Venturing as far as the New South Wales border on the way to Melbourne, a visit to Eden offers the opportunity to discover the fascinating Eden Killer Whale Museum. The museum reveals the unusual working relationship between whalers and orcas in Twofold Bay. The skeleton of "Old Tom", the most famous of these orcas, is on display, along with artifacts from the whaling industry that operated in Eden from the early 1800s to the 1930s.
A road trip from Sydney to Melbourne is one of the best ways to discover the wonders of the New South Wales coastline. "Chill out in pleasant seaside resorts, watch wildlife, hike through rugged landsc apes and enjoy a host of outdoor sporting activities. Off you go!
2. From Sydney à Brisbane the Legendary Pacific Coastal Drive
Visit Legendary Pacific Coastal Drive is 900 km long. It links the northern cities of Sydney and Brisbane. This iconic route offers an epic journey along golden beaches, through charming coastal towns, spectacular national parks and much more. It's an itinerary that's all about going casual, sunglasses on and flip-flops on (except when driving!). Often, before hitting the road, travelers take the time to enjoy Sydney and its splendid harbor. How could it be otherwise, given that it's still the city of countless cultural experiences in New South Wales?
Once behind the wheel of the car, you leave the city with the aim of following the coast. But before that, we take a short detour to discover the Blue Mountains. The scenery in this national park, located 1h30 from Sydney, is spectacular, with wide canyons, eucalyptus forests and sublime waterfalls. Then it's back to the coast, this time to Bouddi National Park for off-the-beaten-track walks. Here, on the central coast of New South Wales, you can wander between land and sea, between bush, Aboriginal sites, cliffs and beaches. The Bouddi Coastal Walk offers breathtaking coastal panoramas.
If this remains optional, a detour to the Hunter Valley, land of wine and gastronomy, is definitely worthwhile. This region is a paradise for connoisseurs of fine wines, with picturesque vineyards and wineries offering tastings of award-winning wines. Back on the coast, what's not to love about a stopover in Port Stephens? This seaside getaway leaves a lasting impression, with a magnificent bay and 26 idyllic beaches. It's also home to some unusual experiences, such as quad biking down the slopes of the majestic Stockton Bight sand dunes in the Worimi Conservation Lands. An adventure to be enjoyed with an Aboriginal guide.
The Legendary Pacific Coastal Drive continues north, with a stop in Port Macquarie. This picturesque coastal town is known for its relaxed atmosphere, pristine beaches and serene rivers. From strolls along the coast, we visit the Koala Hospital to meet these adorable Australian creatures. You can then schedule a stop at the magnificent Dorrigo National Park, about an hour from Coffs Harbour. With its forest-covered mountains, amazingly shaped trees, waterfalls and no fewer than 150 species of birds, the treks once again leave incredible memories in the mind.
We then arrive at Byron Bay. This bohemian seaside resort is a surfer's paradise. A top destination in New South Wales. It attracts travelers from all over the world with its white sand beaches, perfect waves and artisanal markets. And don't forget to climb the Cape Byron lighthouse for breathtaking panoramic views.
