posted on July 21, 2024
Explore the stunning greenery, mountain ranges, and hinterland of the New England region of New South Wales with a drive along the picturesque Thunderbolts Way.
As you journey into the state’s high country with its quaint country towns and breathtaking national parks, you’ll encounter breathtaking scenery at every turn. Stretching 308 kilometres from Gloucester to Inverell, this drive might not be particularly long, but with so much to see and explore, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to soak it in.
Jump ahead:
- An overview of the Thunderbolts Way road trip
- Top tips for driving Thunderbolts Way
- Top driving itineraries for the Thunderbolts Way drive
- The top places to stop along Thunderbolts Way
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Thunderbolts Way drive
Plan your drive: An overview of Thunderbolts Way
- Route options:
- Thunderbolts Way Express (3-day road trip): 308 kilometres, 3 hours 34 minutes driving time
- Thunderbolts Way Discovery (7-day road trip): 713.2 kilometres, 9 hours 13 minutes driving time
- Top stops: Barrington River Bridge, New England National Park, Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, Pioneer Cottage, Saumarez Homestead, The Great Dividing Range, and The National Transport Museum, to name a few.
- Best time to drive Thunderbolts Way: With sealed and well-maintained roads throughout the NSW mid-north coast, Thunderbolts Way is a pleasant driving experience year-round. However, different seasons bring out key features of the landscapes, with spring seeing blooming wildflowers in national parks and valleys, while autumn brings with it vibrant foliage.
- Getting to the start of Thunderbolts Way: Thunderbolts Way starts in Gloucester, which is approximately a 3 hour drive from Sydney.
- Can you complete the Thunderbolts Way drive in reverse? Yes, you can! Simply reverse the itinerary we’ve outlined below.
- How many days does it take to drive the Thunderbolts Way? While you could cover the Thunderbolts Way drive in a single day, with the number of stops and attractions to take in along the way, we recommend at least three days.
- Is it worth driving Thunderbolts Way? Absolutely! From the diverse landscapes and sprawling national parks to the rich history and cultural heritage of towns along the route, Thunderbolts Way is an incredible road trip that offers plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding countryside.
Starting your drive from Sydney? On Turo, you can easily rent the perfect car in Sydney to begin your road trip.
Thunderbolts Way drive time
Thunderbolts Way journeys over the iconic Great Dividing Range. Though the drive can be covered in under five hours, we recommend allowing at least a full day to make the journey so you have time to make detours and take in the countless attractions along the way.
Thunderbolts Way road trip distance
Thunderbolts Way covers a distance of 308 kilometres (covering roads like the New England Highway), stretching from Gloucester on the mid-north Coast to Inverell on New England’s western plains.
Thunderbolts Way road trip map
What to know before you go: Top tips for driving Thunderbolts Way
The drive along Thunderbolts Way takes you through some of New South Wales’s most breathtaking scenery. While it’s tempting to cast your gaze on the greenery, however, sections of this drive demand careful attention.
The country road located as you approach Gloucester is particularly steep and winding, with narrow sections that will require you to put your car in low gear due to the steep descent. With lush pastures and valleys, it’s not uncommon to find wildlife on or near the roads, so be sure to drive at a safe speed that allows adequate time for braking.
Along Thunderbolts Way, you’ll drive along sealed roads that are well-maintained. With plenty of stops to make along the way, consider these top tips to maximise your road trip.
- What to bring: With national parks, sprawling countryside, and plenty of charming towns offering delicious food to savour, you’ll have a choice of countless adventures on this route. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes so you can make the most of your time spent outdoors. Pack sunscreen and a hat, along with plenty of water and snacks. Consider adding optional add-ons from your Turo hosts, like GPS navigation or camping gear.
- Mobile reception: Generally, mobile reception is good throughout most of the Thunderbolts Way drive. However, as you travel through more remote areas, including thickly forested mountain areas and nature reserves with dense vegetation, you may experience limited reception.
- Best vehicle to drive: A small compact vehicle or EV will easily manage the drive along Thunderbolts Way. If you prefer the comfort of a larger SUV however, you can choose a vehicle to suit your preferences. On Turo, you can easily rent the perfect car in Sydney to tackle this road trip.
Choose your Thunderbolts Way drive itinerary
From sub-alpine scenery to vast landscapes and rugged mountain ranges, there’s much to explore along Thunderbolts Way. Named for its connection to Captain Thunderbolt, the legendary horseman and bushranger, this route is famed for its natural beauty with plenty of valleys, national parks, and wilderness areas to roam.
Option 1: Thunderbolts Way Express (3-day road trip itinerary, starting in Gloucester)
- Driving time: 3 hours 34 minutes total driving time
- Driving distance: 308 kilometres
- Itinerary:
- Day 1: Gloucester to Walcha (148 kilometres, 1 hour 47 minutes)
- Day 2: Walcha to Uralla (41 kilometres, 28 minutes)
- Day 3: Uralla to Inverell (119 kilometres, 1 hour 19 minutes)
- Best for: Those looking for a weekend getaway or mid-week retreat.
Drive through rolling farmland as you take in the tranquil setting of Gloucester and its flowing rivers. From there, you’ll drive across the Great Dividing Range towards Walcha. Ensure you’re alert behind the wheel, as you can expect tight hairpin bends on this leg of the journey, but it’s worth it for the panoramic vistas.
The small farming town of Walcha boasts a laidback atmosphere that’s infectious. Stop off at local cafes and restaurants for strong coffee and delightful meals. As you explore the New England High Country, consider making a detour to Oxley Wild Rivers National Park where you can enjoy hiking trails leading to lookout points and beautiful waterfalls. The Open Air Gallery also exhibits outdoor sculpture that makes for a great photo opportunity, or you can tour the Walcha Sculpture Soundtrail for an immersive audio experience.
From Walcha, drive to Uralla, where you’ll be able to soak up the rich history of the town and its heritage buildings and museums. Known for its artisan bakeries, be sure to stop and grab a bite to eat or drink at its famed microbreweries. From Uralla, you’ll begin the last leg of your journey as you make your way to Inverell along the banks of the Macintyre River. Explore the stunning town with its historic buildings and art galleries, and reward your driving efforts with a bite to eat at its famed cafes and pubs.
Option 2: Thunderbolts Way discovery (7-day road trip itinerary, starting in Sydney)
- Driving time: 9 hours 13 minutes total driving time
- Driving distance: 715 kilometres
- Itinerary:
- Day 1: Sydney to Gloucester (270 kilometres, 3 hours 15 minutes)
- Day 2: Gloucester to Barrington Tops (64.8 kilometres, 1 hour 11 minutes)
- Day 3: Barrington Tops to Walcha (193 kilometres, 2 hours 38 minutes)
- Day 4: Walcha to Uralla (41 kilometres, 28 minutes)
- Day 5: Uralla to Armidale (22.4 kilometres, 17 minutes)
- Day 6: Armidale to Inverell (124 kilometres, 1 hour 24 minutes)
- Day 7: Explore Inverell
- Best for: Those looking to explore the beauty of the New South Wales hinterland and New England’s western plains.
From Sydney, make the drive to Gloucester as you take in sweeping views of the lush greenery and rolling hills. At Barrington Tops, you’ll be able to explore bushwalking trails, including the Gloucester Falls Walk, Antarctic Beech Forest Walk, and Barrington Tops Summit Walk. With plenty of wildlife around, it’s a great spot for birdwatching and is known for delivering clear skies that are optimal for stargazing.
You’ll then head to Walcha, where you can learn more about the charming historic village at the Walcha Pioneer Cottage and Museum, McCrossin’s Mill Museum, and local art galleries (like the famed Open Air Gallery in Walcha). Enjoy a walk at Oxley Wild Rivers National Park with the Apsley Gorge Rim Walk, where you can view waterfalls cascading over the granite cliffs.
Then the village for your next adventure is Uralla, where you can pay a visit to the grave of Captain Thunderbolt and check out the Uralla Historical Society Museum to learn more about the town’s heritage. Nature lovers can stroll around the Uralla Creek, while the Gostwych Chapel and picturesque Avenue of Elms are popular photo spots thanks to the beauty of the tree-lined avenue.
You’ll then journey to the New England region’s capital, Armidale, where you can take in the sweeping views of the countryside, while also soaking up the vibrant culture of this charming town. You’ll find music festivals and galleries on offer, along with countless cafes and restaurants. A short detour can also take you to Saumarez Homestead which is worth a visit to learn more about its heritage.
Though the journey may end in Inverell, there’s still much to explore. From the art gallery to the Inverell Pioneer Village and Lake Inverell Reserve, beautiful scenery awaits each turn. You can even try your luck at gemstone fossicking, with designated areas allowing visitors to try their hand at the craft.
Top places to stop along the Thunderbolts Way
Best national parks along Thunderbolts Way
Fancy a hike or panoramic views of Australia’s diverse landscapes? Check out these picturesque national parks teeming with wildlife and native flora along the Thunderbolts Way drive.
- Barrington Tops National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site will see you explore hiking trails offering views of towering eucalypt forests, rainforests, and subalpine woodlands. Be sure to make the walk to Barrington Tops plateau where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding region, and the incredibly beautiful Apsley Falls.
- Oxley Wild Rivers National Park: This sprawling national park features waterfalls, gorges, and wild rivers. With bushwalking trails and scenic drives, you can take in the beauty of the Wollomombi Falls as they plunge into the depths of the Wollomombi Gorge and Dangers Falls.
- New England National Park: For those in Armidale, be sure to visit New England National Park, which has its rugged landscape, ancient rainforests, and waterfalls. Home to the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, you’ll find plenty of hiking trails leading to panoramic lookout spots, as well as an abundance of wildlife to spot.
- Guy Fawkes River National Park: With its gorges, waterfalls, and sparkling rivers, this national park is the perfect escape for those looking to soak up the natural beauty of rural NSW and the tranquillity of nature. From riverside camping spots, bushwalking, and fishing opportunities, there’s plenty to explore, while the Ebor Falls and Gibraltar Range circuit track are popular hikes.
- Bald Rock National Park: Just a short detour from Thunderbolts Way, Bald Rock National Park will see you take in the largest granite rock in Australia. Walking tracks lead you to the summit of Bald Rock, where you’ll then be treated to sweeping vistas.
Best foodie destinations on the Thunderbolts Way road trip
Whether you’re after the best Chinese in rural New South Wales or want quality coffee to sip while taking in the majestic views along Thunderbolts Way, we’ve rounded up a handful of the top dining destinations to add to your radar when making the drive.
- Batter & Dough Patisserie: For those driving through Gloucester, be sure to stop off at this bakery that serves up delicious sourdough and mouthwatering pastries of the sweet and savoury variety. A local favourite is the mini banoffee pie, but you can expect a taste of Paris at this charming bakery.
- Cafe Graze: When in Walcha, stop for brunch at Cafe Graze where you can be treated to a delicious range of house-baked goods and coffee. As well as friendly staff, the cafe sells giftware you can purchase as a memento of your travels.
- Walcha Royal Cafe: Expect hearty meals and strong coffee at Walcha Royal Cafe. During winter, you can sit and relax in front of the warm fireplace and watch as the motorbikes line up outside.
- Walcha Chinese Restaurant: The famed red door entrance to this popular establishment will see you enter a paradise of flavour and heightened senses. With quick service and a menu offering up Chinese classics, you’ll be treated to what is regarded as the best Chinese in rural NSW.
- The Pie Mechanic: A treasured destination for anyone travelling through Uralla, the Pie Mechanic is known for offering up some seriously delicious gourmet pies and baked goods. Sip on some strong coffee before tucking into a hearty pie with perfectly flaky pastry.
- Michael’s Cafe & Catering: While the coffee and food are exceptional, the location also proves alluring at Michael’s Cafe & Catering. Situated in the old bank building next to Foodworks in Uralla, you can enjoy a meal inside or in the lovely garden as you soak up the tranquillity and beautiful scenery.
- Hao Sushi and Grill: In Armidale, be sure to visit this incredible sushi restaurant that will transport you to Japan with its wide variety of sides and sushi options to choose from. Their fresh tuna sashimi is truly an unforgettable experience.
- Signor Vertelli: If you’re looking for the best pizza in rural NSW, look no further than Armidale’s Signor Vertelli. You’ll think you have stumbled into an Italian restaurant on the streets of Napoli with the meals served here. With authentic Italian flavours, these woodfire pizzas are an experience you must enjoy.
Best festivals held along Thunderbolts Way
Soak up the wonderful community spirit of the New South Wales hinterland and New England region by delighting in the local festivals and events along the Thunderbolts Way.
- Walcha Mountain Festival: Walcha comes together annually in the month of October to celebrate the region’s culture, arts, and outdoor lifestyle with a festival that offers live music, art exhibitions, craft markets, food stalls, as well as plenty of outdoor activities like a leisurely country bike ride.
- Uralla Lantern Parade: This lantern parade sees live music, performances, and food stalls come to Uralla, as well as a procession of lanterns to create a magical atmosphere throughout the streets. Held each March to coincide with Earth Hour, scenes of lanterns in the night are unforgettable.
- Glen Innes Celtic Festival: Make a detour along the Thunderbolts Way to Glen Innes to experience the Celtic Festival. This festival champions all things Celtic, so you can expect traditional music, dance, and workshops or explore the countless markets offering artisan products and Celtic crafts. While dates will change each year, it’s typically held the first week of May.
- Barrington Tops Campout Music Festival: Located in Barrington Tops and typically running early April, this festival is a celebration of live music, camping, and outdoor activities. Perfect for families of all sizes and ages, you’ll be able to soak up the atmosphere in the incredible natural surroundings.
NSW road trip guide: keep your adventure going
Don’t want to hand back the keys to your hire car just yet? Keep the drive going with one of these epic road trip itineraries from New South Wales.
- Sydney to Jervis Bay road trip
- Sydney to Adelaide road trip
- Sydney to Byron Bay road trip
- Best road trips from Sydney
Final advice for the Thunderbolts Way road trip of a lifetime
Ultimately, the Thunderbolts Way drive is all about soaking up the natural beauty of rural New South Wales and the country charm of village towns along the way. From panoramic views of rugged countryside and several national parks with waterfalls and deep gorges to explore, you’ll be treated to hidden gems and iconic Australian attractions along the way.
Want to secure the perfect vehicle for your Thunderbolts Way road trip? With Turo, you’ll find unique cars you can’t find anywhere else, ready to be delivered from a local Turo host. Find your drive on Turo.
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.
