The best scenic drives in NSW

Grand Pacific Drive, South Coast

If you want an iconic Aussie coastal drive, this is it. The Grand Pacific Drive stretches for about 140 kilometres from the Royal National Park down to Shoalhaven. It delivers non-stop views of cliffs, beaches and bright blue water.

We recommend stopping at Bald Hill Lookout for a sweeping view of the coastline, then cruising across the famous Sea Cliff Bridge. It’s a great spot to wash the waves crash below you. The small towns you’ll find along the way, like Thirroul and Kiama, also offer great cafes, surf beaches and plenty of places to cool off or take photos.

This drive is perfect for a relaxed summer day, especially if you want something close to Sydney that feels like a holiday.

Greater Blue Mountains Drive, Blue Mountains

For those who prefer crisp mountain air and wonderful, sweeping views, the Blue Mountains never disappoint. You can start from Glenbrook or Springwood and make your way through historic towns like Leura, Katoomba and Blackheath. Each one has its own range of lookouts, walking tracks and historic spots to explore.

Our recommended must see stops include Echo Point for the Three Sisters, Govetts Leap for deep green valley views and the Mount Tomah Botanic Garden for a peaceful break. The winding roads and cool summer temperatures make it a comfortable drive. There are also a heap of spots to stretch your legs or enjoy an impromptu picnic (Pro tip: always keep a picnic blanket in your boot).

If you’re travelling on a hot day, keep an eye on your car’s coolant level before heading into the mountains. Summer heat and steep climbs can test even well maintained engines.

Snowy Mountains Highway, Snowy Mountains

If you want a full day on the road with incredible scenery, the Snowy Mountains Highway is hard to beat. The route runs from the coast at Bega through to Tumut, taking you across some of the most picturesque high country in Australia.

Be prepared to see rolling hills, alpine lakes, wide open plains and bright white gum forests. It’s the perfect choice for drivers who love long, smooth stretches of road without heavy traffic. You can even detour to Jindabyne or Kosciuszko National Park for extra exploring.

Because of the elevation changes, your car’s brakes and tyres can heat up faster than normal, especially on warm summer days. If you’re heading on this road trip, we recommend a quick inspection before you go to save you headaches later.

Bells Line of Road, Hawkesbury

Looking for something less crowded than the Great Western Highway but just as scenic? Bells Line of Road is your answer. It is the quieter route through the Blue Mountains and one of the most peaceful drives in NSW.

The road takes you past orchards, bushland, roadside fruit stalls and cosy mountain villages. Stop at Bilpin for locally grown apples or grab a slice of freshly baked pie. The views from the various lookouts are stunning, and the drive feels calm and refreshing.

Because this route is more rural, phone coverage can be patchy, so make sure you have a full tank of fuel, good condition and correctly inflated tyres before heading out.

Waterfall Way, Northern NSW

Stretching from Coffs Harbour to Armidale, Waterfall Way lives up to its name. You will pass Dorrigo National Park, Dangar Falls and Ebor Falls, plus ancient rainforests, mountain plateaus and sweeping farmland.

It is one of the most diverse scenic drives in the state. The road climbs quickly from the coast up into cooler, higher areas, so your engine and transmission will love you for giving them a quick health check before you go.

Summer storms are more common in this region, so good wiper blades and correctly inflated tyres with plenty of tread left will make a big difference.

Kangaroo Valley and Southern Highlands Circuit

If you want a mix of countryside charm and winding mountain roads, this loop is made for you. Start in Bowral or Mittagong, cruise through lush farmland and drop into Kangaroo Valley for a relaxing stop in one of the prettiest towns in NSW.

You can explore Fitzroy Falls, Hampden Bridge and a range of walking tracks and swimming spots. The drive in and out of the valley is steep and very scenic, especially early in the morning when the fog hangs low over the fields.

This route is perfect for drivers who want a laid back but visually impressive weekend road trip.

Tips for a smooth and safe summer road trip

A scenic drive is much more enjoyable when your car is ready for the conditions. Here are a few quick checks we recommend before you hit the road:

• Make sure your tyres have enough tread and the right pressure.
• Test your air conditioning, especially on very hot days.
• Check your coolant, oil and transmission fluid levels before you head off.
• Perform a battery health check as heat can shorten battery life. A multimeter is a good option to have handy to check your battery voltage.
• Check your wiper blades if you are heading to rainy or high altitude areas.
• A safety kit with water, a phone charger and basic tools is highly recommended.

These simple steps can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns and keep your road trip running smoothly.