3 Epic Routes For The Ultimate Nature Road Trip in NSW

Sometimes taking the ultimate nature road trip can be the best cure for all things.

A nature road trip is a great way to get back in touch with what’s beautiful about Australia. And, there’s so much to see, even if you only have a limited time frame.

From waterfalls to history, here are some of the best nature road trips to take in NSW.

Waterfall Way Drive, Base is Coffs Harbour.

Total driving time: 2 Hours

How long will this trip take? If you are stopping at all the waterfalls, allow one full day to see everything.

What you’ll see: Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, Tristania Falls, Crystal Shower Falls, Danger Falls, Ebor Falls and Wollomombi Falls.

This drive will direct you inland to waterfalls that will take your breath away. There is something rather magical about waterfalls that can only be described once standing in front of one. So jump in the car and experience it for yourself.

This drive departs from Coffs Harbour, from there you’ll drive inwards to Bellingen where you can have a quick canoe in the charming Bellingen river. 34km later, you’ll find yourself at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, which is a sanctuary of World-Heritage listed rainforests.

Whilst here, its essential to trek alongside 600 year old trees to Tristania Falls. In the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre you can also find the glorious Crystal Shower Falls. Once back on the road, head past Dorrigo to the Dangar Falls to take in the gorgeous 30m waterfall amongst farmland.

If you have time before the final destination, the Ebor falls are not one to miss. The final waterfall, Wollomombi Falls, is perhaps the most spectacular.

*Note: this road trip starts off in Coffs Harbour, which is 5h 30m from Sydney.

Grand Pacific Drive Road Trip, base is Sydney

Total driving time: 2 hours and 45 minutes

How long will this trip take? To properly enjoy the beaches, it is recommended to do this trip over 2 days.

What you’ll see: The Royal National park, Wollongong, Kiama, Jervis Bay

Kick start your road trip by having a picnic in the Royal National Park. You won’t be reluctant to go back in the car because next, you can drive along the famous Sea Cliff Bridge, which reaches out over the ocean.

Once you’ve reached Wollongong, stop for a swim at Austinmer Beach. If you don’t decide to stay in Wollongong overnight, next stop is Kiama. This gorgeous beach town is home to the famous Kiama blowhole.

Last but not least is Jervis Bay. With so much to do, you’ll probably want a whole day to fit in a lighthouse walk, visit to the marine park and step foot in the Booderee National Park.

*Note: This road trip starts from Sydney

Classic Australian Drive, base is Wentworth

Total driving time: 6 hours

How long will this trip take? This trip recommends having one night in each stop, so it will take roughly 6 days.

What you’ll see: Wentworth, Mungo National Park, Balranald, Hay, Wagga Wagga

Every Australian should experience what their country has to offer. A classic Australian road trip will do just that. Starting off in Wentworth, just west of the ACT which was once a bustling hub with rich Indigenous history.

Day 2 will bring you to Mungo National Park which has incredible rock formations just waiting to be explored, or you could visit the Mungo woolshed to experience some sheep sheering. Next the Heritage town of Balranald has five rivers to offer, full with rich flora and fauna.

Surprisingly the next destination, the town of Hay, isn’t famous for its Hay. Instead, you’ll be able to absorb buildings full of WWII history and truly experience Australia’s agricultural industry. Finally, come back to some hustle and bustle in Wagga Wagga, a fabulous regional city that is the perfect way to round off the road trip. 

*Note: This road trip starts from Wentworth, which is 11 hours from Sydney.