posted on 30 May 2024
With its World Heritage-listed national parks, iconic beaches, and breathtaking central coast, Sydney is the perfect destination for a scenic drive. With countless routes offering panoramic views of the ocean or rugged mountain landscapes, you’ll be spoiled for choice when selecting a driving route.
There are plenty of scenic drives to choose from in Sydney, with many must-see attractions located just a short drive from the city centre. Whether you’re looking to visit the remote countryside to soak up the natural beauty of the region or want to take a drive along the stunning coastline for some beach-hopping and wildlife spotting, a scenic drive from Sydney makes for an accessible and comfortable experience.
An overview of the best scenic drives from Sydney
- The best short scenic drives from Sydney (under 3 hours total drive time)
- The best long scenic drives from Sydney (3+ hours total drive time)
- Your Sydney road trip guide
- Frequently asked questions about scenic drives from Sydney
- Final tips for the scenic drive of a lifetime
The best short scenic drives from Sydney (less than three hours total of driving)
Only got a few hours to spare? You don’t need to travel far to soak up the beauty of Sydney’s incredible scenery. These scenic drives promise beautiful views, must-see attractions, and incredible scenery, all in under three hours of total driving time.
Grand Pacific Drive
- Route: Take the Southern Cross Drive towards Rockdale and Wollongong, then keep right onto A1. You’ll turn left onto Princes Highway before following the signs to Grand Pacific Drive.
- Total drive time: 2 hours 12 minutes
- Total distance: 96 kilometres
- Distance and travel time from Sydney: 48 kilometres, 1 hour 6 minutes
- Best for: Photographers, foodies, and those wanting stunning views of the coastal scenery.
Just an hour south of Sydney, this coastal route offers some of the city’s best scenery in the form of rugged cliffs and sparkling blue waters. Starting at the Royal National Park, you’ll journey through dense rainforests, coastal towns, and over the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge. This drive ends in Shoalhaven, but you’ll find plenty of opportunities to stop along the way for fish and chips at local cafes or to explore the outdoors.
Tip from the author: Be sure to visit Bald Hill Lookout in Stanwell Tops for unbeatable views, the Kiama Lighthouse atop Blowhole Point, Wedding Cake Rock in the Royal National Park, and the Kiama Blowhole.
Upper Hawkesbury Drive
- Route: Take the A4 before exiting right towards Parramatta and the Blue Mountains. You’ll keep on the M4 before turning left onto Macquarie Road and taking the exit onto Hawkesbury Road as you venture towards Hawkesbury Lookout.
- Total drive time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Total distance: 160 kilometres
- Distance and travel time from Sydney: 80 kilometres, 1 hour 5 minutes
- Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, and history buffs
Explore the beautiful region of Upper Hawkesbury with this drive that takes you through the rolling hills of the surrounding bushland, all while offering sweeping views of the river. The drive is beautiful, seeing you pass through historical sites like the Old Great North Road and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed convict-built road. With its tranquil setting, you can then explore bushwalks in the Dharug National Park or Marramarra National Park or try your luck at fishing along the river.
Palm Beach
- Route: You’ll travel over the Sydney Harbour Bridge as you follow signage to Willoughby Road. You’ll then keep along Wakehurst Parkway before following directions to the exit at Barrenjoey Road.
- Total drive time: 2 hours 6 minutes
- Total distance: 90 kilometres
- Distance and travel time from Sydney: 45 kilometres, 1 hour 3 minutes
- Best for: Beach-goers, nature lovers, and those looking for some relaxation
This idyllic drive is just an hour from Sydney and promises panoramic coastal views of the stunning Palm Beach. With its sun-kissed sand and optimal surfing conditions, it’s the ultimate destination for those who want to relax on the beach or catch some waves. Be sure to dine at The Boathouse for delicious food, go kayaking, or enjoy a spot of golf at the Palm Beach Golf Course. There’s also Barrenjoy Lighthouse, where hikers can enjoy a walk before being rewarded with epic views of the sand dunes and sparkling waters.
Top stop: Before you hit the road, settle into one of Sydney’s most conveniently located stays. Perched on Victoria Street in Potts Point, Holiday Inn Sydney – Potts Point puts you just a minute from Kings Cross Station and within easy reach of the city’s coastal drives. Expect spotless rooms, warm service, and sweeping views of the harbour. Bonus: kids 12 and under stay and eat free — ideal for road-tripping families.
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
- Route: Follow the Western Distributor before turning onto the M11 and Bobbin Head Road as you reach Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
- Total drive time: 1 hour 6 minutes
- Total distance: 74 kilometres
- Distance and travel time from Sydney: 37 kilometres, 33 minutes
- Best for: Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts
This heritage-listed national park offers incredible views of the varied landscapes, from bushland to rugged mountains and water views. You can drive through the park or park at the entrance and explore on foot by taking a hiking path through winding creeks and stunning rainforests. While the drive is certainly scenic within the national park, we recommend hiking as you’ll want to savour the aroma of eucalypts and gaze upwards at the sandstone cliffs.
The best part? You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to lookout points. With the national park spanning an extensive area where the Hawkesbury River meets the sea, you’ll be treated to ocean views and come across many sacred Aboriginal sites.
Tip from the author: Access to Ku-ring-gai National Park does come at a small fee, with $12 per vehicle needing to be paid for entry to the park.
Southern Highlands
- Route: Take the Western Distributor as you journey towards the Old Hume Highway towards Mittagong and Bowral. Then, take Hawkins Drive before following the signage to Mittagong and the Southern Highlands.
- Total drive time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Total distance: 220 kilometres
- Distance and travel time from Sydney: 110 kilometres, 1 hour 20 minutes
- Best for: Nature lovers and foodies
Known for its historic towns, gourmet delights, and breathtaking landscapes, the Southern Highlands demands a visit. Take in stunning views of rolling hills, forests, and farmland as you make your way through towns like Bowral, Berrima, Moss Vale, and Robertson. You can experience delicious food at top wineries like Centennial Vineyards and Tertini Wines, and enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience at Biota Dining in Bowral. With museums and plenty of cultural attractions to discover, you’re guaranteed to have an incredible time.
Northern Beaches
- Route: Take McCarrs Creek Road through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park to the Northern Beaches region of Sydney, where you’ll find the charming suburbs of Church Point and Terrey Hills.
- Total drive time: 1 hour 36 minutes
- Total distance: 64 kilometres
- Distance and travel time from Sydney: 48 minutes, 32 kilometres
- Best for: Beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, and foodies
Given that Sydney boasts some of the world’s most stunning beaches, it makes sense that a scenic drive should take them in. The Northern Beaches scenic drive is perfect for those looking to explore the white sand beaches and turquoise waters Sydney is known for. You’ll be treated to views of Pittwater and the surrounding area and have plenty of opportunities to stop off for delicious local food, hiking trails, or some relaxing time spent on the beach.
The best long scenic drives from Sydney (more than 3 hours total of driving)
If you’ve got a little more time on your hands, consider these scenic drives from Sydney that have a longer drive time.
Bells Line of Road, Blue Mountains
- Route: From Sydney, take the M4 as you head towards Newcastle before merging onto M7 Motorway. You’ll follow signs to Blacktown and Windsor before turning onto East Market Street.
- Total drive time: 3 hours and 8 minutes
- Total distance: 204 kilometres
- Distance and travel time from Sydney: 102 kilometres, 1 hour 37 minutes
- Best for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts who want to spend time hiking in the Blue Mountains National Park.
Wind your way through incredible eucalypt forests as you journey through the UNESCO World Heritage site. Filled with sassafras and ferns, the region’s lush greenery and natural beauty will mesmerise you. Be sure to stop at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden for a leisurely stroll or make your way to the national park for a hike offering panoramic views of the mountains.
Hire a car on Turo in Sydney to embark on the ultimate scenic drives the city has to offer. From spacious SUVs for family trips to sleek sedans for a stylish getaway, Turo has a wide range of vehicles to suit your needs.
Minnamurra Rainforest Drive
- Route: Stay on the Southern Cross Drive towards Rockdale and Wollongong before keeping right on the A1. You’ll stay on the Princes Motorway before keeping left on Illawarra Highway and later come to Jamberoo Mountain Road that will see you follow signage to Minnamurra Falls Road.
- Total drive time: 4 hours
- Total distance: 234 kilometres
- Distance and travel time from Sydney: 117 kilometres, 1 hour 58 minutes
- Best for: Nature lovers and young families
This stunning drive will see you travel through the beautiful Budderoo National Park and Jamberoo, where you’ll instantly feel immersed in nature. With plenty of sightseeing to do along the way, guided tours are available where you can learn more about the rich Aboriginal heritage of the area and conservation efforts. You can also enjoy the Rainforest Loop Walk, which allows you to pass under the breathtaking Minnamurra Falls or enjoy a picnic at the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre.
Greater Blue Mountains Drive
- Route: You’ll travel along the M4 before coming to Bathurst Road. Then, follow the directions to the Three Sisters lookout point, where you can hop out of the car and take in jaw-dropping views.
- Total drive time: 3 hours
- Total distance: 208 kilometres
- Distance and travel time from Sydney: 104 kilometres, 1 hour 30 minutes
- Best for: Nature lovers and hikers
In under two hours, you’ll be immersed in nature and surrounded by spectacular mountains, valleys, and lush eucalypts. There are countless trails to explore in the Blue Mountains, all of which offer mesmerising views of the region and popular attractions like the Three Sisters rock formation. With plenty of opportunities for hiking and bird watching, it truly is a nature lover’s dream.
Hunter Valley
- Route: Follow the M11 before taking the exit onto Freemans Drive and B82 towards Kurri Kurri and Cessnock. Then, follow directions to Hunter Valley Gardens, where you can choose to stop along the way at countless wineries, restaurants, and cafes.
- Total drive time: 4 hours 8 minutes
- Total distance: 344 kilometres
- Distance and travel time from Sydney: 172 kilometres, 2 hours 4 minutes
- Best for: Foodies and wine lovers
With its world-renowned wineries, gourmet food, sprawling vineyards, and stunning countryside, the Hunter Valley is a must-visit for anyone coming through Sydney. You’ll drive through rolling hills and see hot air balloons dot the skyline. Be sure to visit wineries for a special cellar-door tasting experience at Brokenwood Wines and Tyrrell’s Wines, or enjoy farm-to-table dining at one of many exceptional restaurants.
The Hunter Valley Gardens are also just a short detour away. They feature over 60 acres of incredibly landscaped gardens with themed areas and walking paths, making them a perfect stop for young families travelling with kids.
Jervis Bay
- Route: Take the Western Distributor before taking the exit towards Menai. You’ll then follow the A6 Fairford Road towards Menai and Wollongong before getting onto the Princes Highway.
- Total drive time: 5 hours 26 minutes
- Total distance: 408 kilometres
- Distance and travel time from Sydney: 204 kilometres, 2 hours 43 minutes
- Best for: Nature lovers, beach-goers, avid wildlife enthusiasts
This popular destination located on the south coast of NSW attracts locals and international travellers alike. Known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and abundant marine life, you’ll be able to hop from Hyams Beach, which boasts some of the whitest sand in the world, to gems like Murrays Beach and Cave Beach.
You can kayak or paddleboard in the calm waters of Jervis Bay, follow the scenic bushwalking trails around the island and Booderee National Park, snorkel in Jervis Bay Marine Park and The Docks, or take a cruise as you look out for humpback whales and dolphins during their migration from May to November.
Kangaroo Valley Drive
- Route: Take the scenic route to Kangaroo Valley by taking the Princes Motorway before taking the exit onto Queen Street towards Berry. You’ll travel through coastal towns as you follow signs to Kangaroo Valley Road towards Wollongong.
- Total drive time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Total distance: 338 kilometres
- Distance and travel time from Sydney: 169 kilometres, 2 hours 40 minutes
- Best for: Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts
Known for its historic buildings, delicious local produce, and boutique stalls selling a range of artisan products and foods, you’ll be enchanted by the incredible Kangaroo Valley drive. With plenty to explore upon your arrival, you’ll be able to roam the stunning landscapes, spot the abundance of wildlife (yes, that includes kangaroos), and enjoy the tranquillity of the region.
Nature lovers can hike popular trails that include Fitzroy Falls and the Three Views Walk, while those who want to get out on the water can enjoy kayaking down the Kangaroo River. There are plenty of cycling trails for on-road and off-road biking, while the area also boasts some of the best wineries in the region, such as the famed Yarrawa Estate and Mountain Ridge Wines.
Sydney road trip guide: keep the drive going
Don’t want to hand back the keys to your hire car? Keep the drive going with one of these epic road trip itineraries from Sydney.
- Best road trips from Sydney
- The ultimate East Coast Australia road trip
- Sydney to Adelaide
- Sydney to Brisbane
- Sydney to Melbourne
- Sydney to Gold Coast
- Sydney to Batemans Bay
- Sydney to Jervis Bay
Frequently asked questions about Sydney’s scenic drives
When is the best time to enjoy a scenic drive in Sydney?
The summer months in Sydney boast warm temperatures and peak tourist season. More traffic on the road and bigger crowds at major attractions can make for a more stressful journey. As a result, the best time to enjoy a scenic drive is during spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May), when you can expect fewer crowds, mild temperatures, and beautiful foliage and wildflowers.
Can I complete these scenic drives using public transport?
Generally, Sydney offers reliable and consistent public transport options, with bus and train services running throughout the week. The train line is well connected to major suburbs and city stops, including Central Station, but to complete these drives, you’d need a combination of trains, buses, and, in some instances, even ferries.
Given the nature of these scenic drives and the detours that can be made to popular destinations along the way, a hire car is the best way to make the journey, as you can explore at your own pace.
Are there any fees or permits required for these scenic drives?
Most of these drives are very accessible, with no fees or permits required to enjoy them. However, for those drives that pass through national parks or protected areas, you may encounter certain fees required for parking or entry costs. Be sure to plan ahead and check for permits before embarking on your journey.
What are the road conditions like in Sydney?
The road conditions in Sydney are smooth and well-maintained, making for a comfortable driving experience.
Which vehicle is best for undertaking a scenic drive in Sydney?
Ultimately, the best vehicle for any scenic drive is the one you feel most comfortable driving. With sealed, well-maintained roads to be expected throughout Sydney, you can rest assured that a small, compact vehicle will easily get you anywhere you need to go. However, if you want the comfort of a larger SUV or want to trial a sleek EV, on Turo you can easily find the perfect car to tackle any drive.
Final tips for the scenic drive of a lifetime
Whether you’re looking to take in iconic attractions like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House or want to explore further afield with a drive to the countryside or coastline, Sydney offers a range of scenic drives that are sure to suit your travel needs and preferences.
Thanks to Turo, the hardest part is simply choosing which picturesque drive to choose. With a range of unique cars available to suit every budget and travel requirement, you’ll be able to secure the perfect vehicle for your trip. You can even arrange convenient delivery from your local Turo host. So, what are you waiting for? Hire a car on Turo in Sydney.
Jess Campbell
Jess is Sydney-based and loves the outdoors. While she likes to think she has what it takes to compete on ‘ALONE’, her survival skills need some work. Born in Singapore and raised in South Africa, she’s hiked across Ireland, surfed in Hawaii, spent six months in Kenya and covered much of Africa. Having spent a year in the north of Spain, she’s resolved to come back to tackle the Camino de Santiago. Until then, you can find her providing the best snacks and playlists on Aussie road trips.
