If you’ve been dreaming of discovering all the beautiful places around the city of Sydney, then this is the blog for you! Throughout this blog we’re going to outline our top 5 scenic drives from Sydney to do in a motorhome. Some of the best road trips start from Sydney because there are so many amazing places to discover that are within easy reach. From the Royal National Park, Kangaroo Valley and the Hunter Valley, to Wollombi, the Grand Pacific Drive and the Greater Blue Mountains, there is so much to see and do! Plus, the beauty of travelling in a motorhome is that you can take your time, enjoy the sights and park up your camper for the night at one of the many great holiday parks that are found along the coast.
Starting your trip in Sydney also means you can enjoy easy campervan hire from the Mighty Campers Sydney depot, as well as have the opportunity to enjoy all the fun things to do in Sydney.
The Top 5 Scenic Drives from Sydney
1. The Grand Pacific Drive
First on our list is the Grand Pacific Drive. This breathtaking coastal drive is 140 km long and will have you in awe around every turn. Starting at the Royal National Park, the scenic drive will take you through lush rainforests, over the Sea Cliff Bridge and through cute coastal towns. This 1.5hr drive is sure to be one of those trips you’ll never forget and is packed with endless experiences to enjoy along the way. From action-packed adventure activities and picturesque family-friendly beaches to natural wonders and delicious food and wine experiences, there is something for the whole family to enjoy. Below, we’ve added some of our favourite spots to see along the way.
The best places to visit along the Grand Pacific Drive
The Royal National Park
Starting the drive at the Royal National Park, it’s no surprise this is at the top of our list. This 100+ year-old national park is over 16,000ha in size and is home to a vast array of native plants and wildlife. There are so many incredible walking trails to discover within the park, as well as picnic areas for when you need to relax and refuel, and beaches when you need to cool off. Birdwatchers and nature lovers are in luck with over 300 bird species calling this national park home, as well as possums, sugar gliders, wallabies, reptiles and amphibians.
Wollongong
The next stop along the Grand Pacific Drive that we highly recommend stopping in is the iconic town of Wollongong. To get here you’ll drive along the impressive Sea Cliff Bridge before arriving in town. With lush rainforest to one side and golden sandy beaches to the other, this city is a fun and vibrant place to stop and enjoy a delicious bit to eat and look around. If you’re an adventure-seeking traveller then you might like to go skydiving or cycling, and for those who are looking for a more relaxed experience then there are great cafes and restaurants on offer, as well as beautiful botanical gardens to wander through and a thriving art scene to discover.
Kiama
A little further along the coast you’ll get to the surfy town of Kiama. With unspoilt beaches, beautiful countryside, world-class surf waves and famous blowholes, this will be a great stop on your scenic drive from Sydney. The Kiama Coastal Walk is a great way to see the town and its rugged coastline, and while here you also must witness the blowholes and rock formations on show.
Shoalhaven
The Grand Pacific Drive ends in the gorgeous coastal town of Shoalhaven. With mountains to one side and white sandy beaches to the other, this welcoming town is sure to impress. When here you can get out on the water on a canoe or kayak, enjoy bird watching, go for a coastal bike ride or mountain bike ride, and of course, enjoy time at one of the many beautiful beaches such as Blenheim Beach.
2. Greater Blue Mountains Drive
Another great scenic drive to take from Sydney is the Greater Blue Mountains Drive. This popular route is 1200 km long and offers 18 different discovery trails that you can drive along, passing through and along spectacular mountains, valleys and national parks. This drive has something for everyone such as walking trails, picnic spots, biking trails and country drives. Whether you visit for the day, or spend a couple of weeks taking in the natural beauty of the area, this discovery trail network is sure to amaze you and your group. Keep reading to find out top spots to visit along the Greater Blue Mountains Drive!
The best places to visit along the Greater Blue Mountains Drive
The Three Sisters
The Three Sisters is one of the region’s most iconic landmarks and is an easy 2hr drive from Sydney. Made up of three sandstone peaks that have been weathered by winds over the many thousands of years, these peaks stand tall and proud at more than 900 m above the sprawling Jamison Valley. While here you can take in the incredible sights, learn why these formations are so important to the local aboriginal people, as well as explore nearby nature trails that lead you to magnificent waterfalls and lush forests. Plus, those who like a little more adrenaline-filled activities, you can enjoy rock climbing and abseiling around the mountains or caving within the complex network of underground passageways.
Blue Mountains National Park
You can’t do the Greater Blue Mountains Drive without visiting the world heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. With iconic lookouts, historic walking trails, mesmerising waterfalls, mountain biking, rich Aboriginal culture and adventures sports on offer, there is something here to suit every traveller. Plus with some great camping spots to park up your motorhome, you can take your time and enjoy a few days exploring this wonderful area.
Jenolan Caves
Another must-do when around this area is taking a visit to the famous Jenolan Caves. These are the largest and oldest caves in Australia and are some of the most outstanding cave systems in the world! With tours to suit every age and fitness level, these caves will leave you in awe. There is also a café, bar and restaurant to enjoy a bite to eat and drink at after you’ve discovered all that the caves have to offer.
Blue Mountains Botanic Garden
Nature lovers will enjoying stopping in at the beautiful Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens. While here you can wander along the pathways, taking in the vast array of plants on show. You might also spot the native birds, lizards and possums who call these gardens home. A selection of guided tours are available, plus there are plenty of perfect spots to set up a picnic lunch.
3. Tourist Drive
Tourist Drive 33 is next on our list and it’s no surprise why. This 2 hour drive showcases some of the most stunning countryside that NSW has to offer. With vibrant country towns to discover along the way, and a range of activities to enjoy, this route, which ends at Wollombi Hunter Valley, is a must-do. From horse riding and roadside fruit stalls, to boutique cellar doors and country pubs, there is something for the whole family to enjoy along this great trail. We’ve outlined some of our favourite spots to visit along Tourist Drive 33 to make your road trip planning all the easier.
The best places to visit along Tourist Drive
Wollombi Endeavour Museum
The Wollombi Endeavour Museum is situated within a gorgeous 1866 sandstone building and houses exhibits and displays of local history. From the moment you step inside you’ll get a sense of the rich history you’re about to discover and it will be a great way to learn about Wollombi and neighbouring towns.
Wollombi Markets
If you time your trip right, you’ll get to experience the magic of the Wollombi Markets. These markets only run on the holiday Monday of each long weekend throughout the year, and if your trip aligns then we highly recommend stopping in. With over 100 stalls selling local produce, food, crafts, plants, clothes, tools, bric-a-brac and much more, there is sure to be something to interest the whole family. They are situated just over an hour from the city of Sydney and promise a great day out full of good food and fun times.
St Michael’s Church
Nestled in the heart of Wollombi is St Michael’s Church. This historical 1840 church has been carefully restored to its original beauty and offers a perfect combination of tradition and country ambience. Now used as a wedding and events venue, this is a great spot to enjoy a bite to eat in the shade of the surrounding soaring trees, before taking a look inside at its majestic beauty.
Undercliff winery
A trip into the country wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a Hunter Valley winery. The Undercliff winery and gallery is a great spot to stop in at to enjoy a sample of their hand crafted wines. With incredible semillon and shiraz varieties on show, these are sure to tantalise your tastebuds. Then, after enjoying time in their cellar door, you can take a stroll through the gallery to see incredible artworks by talented local artists.
2. Kangaroo Island
The incredible Kangaroo Valley is next on our list. A scenic drive through this magical part of the world will have you driving along picturesque rolling farmland set against rugged cliffs, and past the roaring Kangaroo River. With stunning natural landscape around every turn, as well as cute historical towns to pass through, this is an incredible drive to take! It’s around a 2.5 hour drive from Sydney, plus if you’re wanting to spend a few days discovering the area, then you’ll be happy to hear there are some fantastic camping spots to rest at. Keep reading to find out our top things to see and do when visiting Kangaroo Valley.
The best things to do in Kangaroo Valley
Kayak on the Kangaroo river
One memorable way to discover this spectacular area is on the water. Hiring a kayak to float down the Kangaroo River will offer an adventure not to be forgotten! Kayak under the Hampden Bridge, spot the native flora and fauna and soak up some sun along the way. Whether you’re an experienced kayaker or a beginner, there is a tour to suit everyone and you’re sure to have a great time along the way.
Take the village historic walk
If you’re feeling like a walk then the Kangaroo Valley Historic Pioneer Walk is a must! Along the scenic walk you will discover national treasures like Hampden Bridge and The Friendly Inn that are nestled within Kangaroo Valley’s historic pioneering community. You’ll pass by the village’s heritage-listed buildings, their cultural and geological sites, as well as take in the picturesque country scenery and can even enjoy a well-earned rest at one of the cute cafes.
Visit the museum
If history and culture are what you’re after then a stop in at the Kangaroo Valley Pioneer Village Museum is sure to impress. Here you can wander through the historical museum and witness the incredible artifacts on show. The building is situated on a one-hectare block and is surrounded by native bushland that has wonderful walking tracks for visitors discover. After exploring the museum and bushland, you can then set up and enjoy a picnic lunch at their dedicated picnic areas.
5. Cottage Point
Last on our list of top 5 scenic drives from Sydney is Cottage Point. This drive is just one hour from the city of Sydney and offers incredible bushland scenery along the way. Located in the tranquil waterfront bushland of Ku-Ring-Gai National Park, this unspoilt heritage conservation area is a wonderful spot to visit.
The best things to see along Cottage Point
Enjoy a kayak
While here we recommend hiring a kayak and seeing the area from the viewpoint of the water. The waters are calm and protected and will allow you to discover the nearby smaller hidden bays and beaches, as well as spot an array of native birds flying above. To hire a kayak simply head to the Cottage Point Kiosk and Boat Hire, and when you’re done for the day you can return your kayak and enjoy a delicious bite to eat at the kiosk.
Visit Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park
The Ku-Ring-Gai National Park is a spectacular national park that is a must-visit when in the area. With a huge selection of walking and hiking trails to discover, as well as breathtaking scenery and picturesque beaches, this is one stop you’ll never forget. From bushwalking and cycling to picnics and swimming, there is something for the whole family to enjoy.
Take these beautiful Sydney scenic drives with Mighty
There you have it, our top 5 scenic drive to do from Sydney. Of course, the beauty of travelling in a motorhome is that you’ll discover many more beautiful and interesting places along the way, this is just a guide to make your adventure planning all the more easier! The Mighty Campers branch is conveniently located at the Sydney Airport, making campervan hire easy, and while in the city we’re sure you’ll find some of the best things to do in Sydney as well!
