Sydney has a lot to offer in terms of short road trips, and once you get out of the city it is like another country. The quiet areas away from Sydney are only about an hour away and any direction you go driving in, you are bound to find something special. Some of the areas are a little more accessible with larger cars (such as SUVs & 4WDs) so make sure if you are looking for a car rental in Sydney that you pay a little extra for the flexibility.
While roads are fine in all directions from Sydney, you may want to explore deeper in the various national parks. All of the areas mentioned have plentiful accommodation but like anywhere, you should book before you go in case everything is booked out. As you will be on roads you don’t know so well, and possibly driving long distances, make sure your car insurance is up to date.
Finding Accommodation for Your Travel Base
Finding the right accommodation as your ‘travel base’ if you are visiting Australia is important and Sydney offers the best. From anywhere in Sydney, it is very easy to hit the road and heat north, west or south on your next adventure. If you are staying in hostel accommodation, you can easily find people to share car rental or car running costs.
Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains is one of the first places that tourists visit after arriving in Sydney and this is because of its accessibility. It is only an hour or so by train and similar in the car, depending on traffic. While many spots are quite touristy (picture big groups of tourists on group tours standing around taking photos) there is a nice mix of quiet secluded sights as well.
Summer is the best time to go as winter can get quite cold in comparison to Sydney. However, the area is at risk of bushfires (forest fires) every summer so make sure everything is safe before heading off.
Central Coast
The Central Coast has so many beautiful beaches and national parks that it is hard to list them all. Here are just some of the amazing attractions:
- Blackwall National Park features rock carvings and all the flora and fauna you can imagine. It is at the south end of the Central Coast.
- The Entrance is a popular tourist spot sitting right on the water. It has lots of accommodation and restaurants to enjoy.
South Coast
The South Coast is an amazing place to visit, especially around Wollongong and you will be amazed by the number of beaches. The area is not as known for tourism as it once was for steel production, it is therefore a laid back place for tourists. The Wollongong area is one of the best spots outside of Sydney to find a deserted beach.
Canberra
The nation’s capital city has some great places to see, especially museums and galleries. A 2-3 hour drive through scenic rural areas will see you driving around the massive roundabouts and neatly organised city in no time.
Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley is only about 3 hours north of Sydney beyond the Central Coast and is perfect for wine and food lovers. A must see for a gourmet drive or a romantic weekend away.
