For many people who travel either north or south from Sydney or travelling through New South Wales, will at one time ask themselves the question “should I travel inland or along the coast?”.
It is a big decision as it will effect travel times, options for side trips and also the environment in which your driving.
Inland Travel
North Bound
For my first trip to Queensland from Canberra my choice was to travel inland along the Newell Highway. I spent years growing up around the area so it was a natural choice to go with what I knew especially driving alone.
Joining the Newell Highway in Forbes the roads are easy to navigate and well sign posted. If driving north from Sydney your trip will take you out through the Blue Mountains to meet the Newell in Dubbo. The trip through Bathurst and Orange will wind you through some of the finest farming land in New South Wales.
During summer the sides of the roads on this trip are lined with Sunflowers between Narrabri & Moree. These roads are very flat and very straight - and can test your concentration. This is cotton country so the scenery isn’t the most remarkable or exciting. There are stops along the roads here and I would suggest that if you do break during this stretch.
From Moree the road winds to Goondiwindi and crosses the boarder into Queensland.
Side Trips North Bound
Taronga Western Plains Zoo
Dubbo
Open Plain Zoo which is a perfect day trip or side trip. Great Family Activity.
Parkes Telescope
Parkes
Made famous again after the release of the film “The Dish” and instrumental in landing Apollo 11 on the Moon.
Warrumbungle National Park
Coonabarabran
Take a break and stretch your legs with a hike in the Warrumbungle National Park. This hike has been included in Australia’s Greatest Walks list.
Heading South out of Sydney you can seem spoilt for choice. For me no road in Australia beats the Hume Highway. Clearly marked and direct, the Hume Highway has always carried me home.
Heading out through Campbeltown to Mittagong and onto Golburn you will see the scenery change from the busy metropolis to green undulating hills to the open landscapes that inspired our Bush Poets and story tellers.
Your journey will take you pass Yass after Goulburn then through Gundagai then onto Albury and into Victoria. It is a much quicker trip to head south than north but the drive is just as exciting.
Side Trips South Bound
Poachers Way
Murrumbateman
Eat your way around this beautiful township between Yass and Canberra. Why not match your meal with one of the wines from one of the many boutique wineries in the area.
Monte Cristo Homestead
Homestead Lane
Junee
Creepy and Haunted. A great stop for those who like the paranormal or love a good scare. You can also hear about the history of the Homestead.
Rutherglen Wine District
Rutherglen VIC
Great wine fantastic food and a multitude of Cellar Doors to tempt and remember to stop at Parkers Pie Shop in Rutherglen. The have award winning pies cakes and pastries to help you on your trip south
The old Pacific Highway was notoriously bad in years past but with the Government improvement to a large sections of the north bound road the trip is now very safe. The advantage of this route is that its is more direct than the Newell Highway. The drive can be done between the Gold Coast and Sydney in around 10 hours. You will also have the advantage of the beautiful and lush country side to drive through.
One thing about the coast road is that there always seems to be something to do along the way. With plenty of stops to help to revive before continuing on make this a fantastic option for those who have plenty of time to make the trip.
Side Trips Northbound
Byron Bay NSW
This is the heart of Australia's alternative lifestyle. A beautiful coast line that is a must see for all Travelers. Excellent cafes and restaurants and a wide of alternate & holistic businesses will tempt the shopaholic. Head to Cape Byron to see the Lighthouse or just relax on the beach will see you set to continue tour travels North.
When heading South from Sydney you will we treated to some beautiful countryside but you will need some to allow for some extra time as this road is not as direct as traveling inland. The road will take you along the southern New South Wales coast where you will travel through places like Batemans Bay Eden and Bega the home of the Famous Bega cheese. Like the northbound trip there are lots of place to stop of for a break or stay for the night.
Side Trips Southbound
Dalmeny
This small town on the New South Wales coast has a wonderful fish and chip shop and a wonderful beach on which to enjoy them on. The beach is virtually deserted so stay the night and take a walk along this beach with someone special.
Lakes Entrance
This area of Victoria has kept Victorians happy with fishing water sking and camping for many years and is worth a visit. Take a walk along the Esplanade and see the fine woodcarvings that have been dedicated to Australia's war involvement over the last century.
Whichever way you travel take time and enjoy this great country.
Print Document