Experience a Country NSW Road Trip
The Australian countryside or 'outback' has much to explore, especially if you're used to sticking to the coast and the bigger cities of the country. From fruit farms to national parks to rocky mountains and rolling hills, you can find something to suit everyone when taking a road trip through country NSW.
One of the best ways to explore the area is by driving along one of the main highways and back roads that crisscross through the region. You'll get to enjoy sweeping views of farms, forests and rivers as you drive cross-country, depending on where you're headed.
If you want to get a bit of culture during your travels, there are plenty of quaint towns along the way that offer something unique to each traveller. Whether it's shopping for local arts and crafts, grabbing a bite to eat or simply wandering around the main street, these small towns add an extra layer of interest to your cross-country trip.
Most of these areas are accessible via the pacific coast highway, meaning you can enjoy all the scenic beauty Australia has to offer easily.
Find out the best places to visit in country NSW along an epic road trip route below. The itinerary below uses a northern route, going from Burrinjuck Waters in the south to Copeton Waters in northern NSW.
Burrinjuck Waters
Burrinjuck Waters Holiday Park is a great place to stop and explore. Located in the upper Murrumbidgee region, this park has predominately camping options, both powered and unpowered, and plenty of activities for all ages. Head out on the lake for some fishing or enjoy bushwalking and bird watching along the many trails.
Burrinjuck Waters is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, emus and wallabies – perfect for nature lovers. Stay in the lakeside holiday and caravan park to truly immerse yourself in the country environment.
Kangaroo Valley
Drive: 2hr 40min
Kangaroo Valley is the perfect place to stop on your road trip through country NSW. The valley itself is filled with rolling hills, winding rivers, creeks and dams that attract plenty of water sports enthusiasts during the warmer months.
Take a tour of the area, stopping at different lookouts and admire the stunning scenery or take a leisurely stroll through one of many trails. If you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at kayaking on the river – it’s sure to be an enjoyable experience!
Hill End
Drive: 4hr 24min
A road trip to Hill End is a must if you’re exploring country NSW. This small town was once a booming gold mining hub in the 1800s, and today it’s a popular tourist spot for its historic buildings, quaint streets and gold rush stories.
Take a tour of some of the old mines or just stroll around and soak up the atmosphere. Hill End is also home to plenty of art galleries and museums that are worth checking out. The town is close to a beautiful holiday park that makes for a convenient stay before continuing the journey, Cudgegong River Holiday Park 1hr to the north.
The Rocks at Coonabarabran
Drive: 3hrs
If you’re looking for a unique spot to explore during your road trip, The Rocks at Coonabarabran is definitely worth visiting. This Aboriginal quartzite outcrop offers stunning views of the surrounding Warrumbungle Mountains and features many walking trails and picnic spots.
Take some time to appreciate the artwork that was created by the local Wiradjuri people and then take a stroll around the outcrop, admiring natural beauty in its unique rock formations.
Copeton Waters
Drive: 3hr 29min
Copeton Waters State Park is located just outside of the small town of Inverell and is a great place for nature lovers. This huge park covers almost 8,000 hectares and offers plenty of activities, such as swimming in the waters, camping or bushwalking around the area.
Take your time to explore what Copeton Waters has to offer along the northern cross country route, and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views and peaceful memories of the region.
These are just a few of the many places you can visit on your road trip through country NSW – so plan ahead and make sure you don't miss out! Wherever you go, don’t forget to take your camera and capture some unforgettable moments.
When it comes to happy travelling, it's also essential to invest in comfortable and convenient accommodation. Holiday parks are a great way to secure a good nights’ rest before driving cross country, with powered and unpowered plots perfect to park a caravan or tent, or treat yourself to a luxury cabin with all the amenities of home.
Country NSW is an ideal destination for road trips, offering plenty of stunning scenery and unique experiences. The riverside towns provide some of the best views in the country and the small rural towns have their own charm and culture that can be discovered along the way.
You can drive around most parts of NSW, but some areas may be subject to restrictions around entering national parks or due to weather and road conditions. Make sure you check for floods or fires before embarking on your road trip so you can plan accordingly.
How long cross country road trips take depend on how much time you have available and what kind of stops you'll be making along the way. However, most people planning a cross country road trip tend to spend between two to three weeks exploring the area.