Sydney Road Trips: The Top Five

If you’re visiting Sydney during your trip to Australia (and we’d be shocked if you didn’t), and you’re looking to hire a campervan while you’re in town, then make sure you don’t miss out on visiting these amazing locations. We’ve picked out five amazing road trips that are all within a leisurely driving distance of the city. While the big smoke has plenty to offer, stepping just outside it offers an abundance of beautiful beaches, scenery and outdoor activities not to be overlooked. Here’s our list of the best road-trip worthy destinations around Sydney, guaranteed to satisfy all travellers.

Grand Pacific Drive

An unbeatable road trip with some of the best views, whether it’s an escape from Sydney for the day or a segment of your journey further down south in the campervan. The fun starts in the Royal National Park, with winding roads nestled in rain forests just a stone’s throw from the coast. Stop at Bald Hill Lookout at Stanwell Tops to take in stunning ocean views and see the hang gliders take off. Next you can drive along the Sea Cliff Bridge – a 450 metre piece of architectural brilliance hugging the coast’s edge. Beach hop your way down the coast and finish at Kiama – where you can see the famous Blowhole or even spot a whale if you’re lucky!

Image via Illawarra Mercury

 Blue Mountains

A popular tourist destination for valid reasons. The Blue Mountains is located just 2 hours west of Sydney, but it’s terrain and scenery is of another world. With stunning natural beauty, the World Heritage region is a great all-year-rounder for travellers and day-trippers alike. Rug up in winter and visit the town centres historic fire-lit pubs and cottages, where you can indulge in some deliciously hearty food and wine. If you’re a little more adventurous, grab your hiking shoes and head over to some of the best nature walks in NSW. Our favourite is the National Pass at Wentworth Falls – a 3-4-hour scenic nature walk through sandstone cliffs, leafy gum trees and (lots of!) waterfalls.

Image via Sydney Boutique Tours

Jervis Bay

An outdoor lover’s playground in the summer – Jervis Bay is your hub for gorgeous beaches, nature walks and an abundance of native animals. Located on the south coast of NSW, the bay is about a 3-hour scenic drive from Sydney.  Park up the campervan and stop for the day at Hyams Beach, well known for its iconic crystal blue waters and some of the whitest sands in the world. Plus, bonus points for being home to many of Australia’s resident dolphins. If you want to pull up your van or pitch a tent for the weekend, check out Green Patch camp grounds. There you will find a beautiful little piece of paradise situated in a national park teaming with wallabies, kangaroos and colourful parrots. Read more about the full Sydney to Melbourne Roadtrip here.

Image via Colourful Trips

Hunter Valley

A leisurely 2-hour road trip north of Sydney, the Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s major wine regions. An ideal holiday destination for lovers of the finer things in life. You can discover superb vineyards, wineries and indulgent food. Stop off at Broken Back Range for the best of the Hunter, with attractions such as farmer’s markets, food and wine tasting tours, and hot air ballooning. Wine time, anyone?

Image via H Boutique Hotels

Sydney’s Northern Beaches

If you want to keep it more local to Sydney’s centre, take a road trip up to several of Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Starting with the iconic Manly and extending north with 30 kilometres of stunning beaches and friendly communities. A total of 21 beaches along the way will be a peaceful change from many of Sydney’s highly populated beaches, yet still just as enjoyable. If you’re a campervan traveller, stay at the award winning NRMA Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park in Narrabeen.  Powered camp sites start from $47 a night, and it’s just a 45-minute drive from Sydney CBD!

Download our free ultimate guide to the best road trips in Australia.

Why book with Travellers Autobarn? We offer FREE 24/7 roadside assistance, access to FREE camping grounds and discounted rates at some top Aussie campsites. Check out some sweet wheels and deals on campervan hire in Sydney.

If you want to read more of our Sydney adventures, come and explore our dedicated Sydney Road Trip section. Happy Exploring!