A Local’s Guide to Underrated Road Trip Routes from Sydney
A Local’s Guide to Underrated Road Trip Routes from Sydney
If you’ve already ticked off Sydney’s classic drives like the Grand Pacific or Blue Mountains loop, you might be wondering where else to explore. The good news? New South Wales is full of lesser-known road trip gems that locals love—places where the scenery is spectacular, the traffic is light, and the towns are full of character.
Grab your YesDrive rental car, pack a few snacks, and get ready to take the scenic route. Here are some underrated road trip routes starting from Sydney that deserve a spot on your weekend getaway list.
Table of Contents
Route 1: Wisemans Ferry to St Albans (Historic River Escape)
Route 2: Sydney to Mudgee via Bells Line of Road (Orchards & Wine)
Route 4: Kangaroo Valley to Berrima (Heritage and Highlands)
Why Explore Lesser-Known Routes?
While the coastal highways are beautiful, they’re often packed on weekends and holidays. Exploring lesser-known routes means you get to enjoy NSW’s quieter corners at your own pace. Think boutique wineries, forest drives, riverside villages, and lookouts with no one else around.
Route 1: Wisemans Ferry to St Albans (Historic River Escape)
Only 90 minutes from Sydney, this scenic drive follows the Hawkesbury River through national parkland. You’ll take a small vehicle ferry (free!) to cross the river and find yourself in the sleepy town of St Albans. With historic pubs, sandstone cottages, and views of the Macdonald River, it’s like stepping into another era.
What to do: Grab a drink at the Settlers Arms Inn, walk the convict-built road, and enjoy a picnic by the water.
Route 2: Sydney to Mudgee via Bells Line of Road (Orchards & Wine)
Instead of the usual Great Western Highway route, take the Bells Line through Bilpin—famous for its apple orchards and mountain views. Stop for cider, fresh produce, and scenic viewpoints. Eventually, you’ll reach Mudgee, one of NSW’s best wine regions.
What to do: Tour cellar doors, book a vineyard lunch, and stay overnight in a countryside B&B.
Route 3: Macquarie Pass to Robertson (Rainforest and Pie)
Drive south to Albion Park, then take the winding Macquarie Pass through thick rainforest and waterfalls up to the Southern Highlands. At the top, you’ll find the Robertson Pie Shop—an iconic stop that locals swear by.
What to do: Stop at the Illawarra Fly Tree Walk, sample pies (go classic beef or curried lentil), and enjoy the cooler air of the Highlands.
Route 4: Kangaroo Valley to Berrima (Heritage and Highlands)
Kangaroo Valley is lush, peaceful, and the drive there winds through forested hills and creeks. Berrima, one of the oldest preserved Georgian villages in Australia, offers a great contrast with its boutique stores and wine tastings.
What to do: Walk across the Hampden Bridge, kayak the Kangaroo River, and visit a historic jail-turned-museum in Berrima.
Route 5: Putty Road to Hunter Valley (The Back Way In)
Skip the Pacific Motorway and take Putty Road north instead. Popular with motorbike riders, this winding drive takes you through Wollemi National Park and directly into the Hunter Valley.
What to do: Stretch your legs in Colo, stop at mountain lookouts, and end your trip with a long lunch at one of the region’s top wineries.
Travel Tips: How YesDrive Helps You Make the Most of It
Pick-up from Sydney Airport or city locations for easy trip starts
Fuel-efficient options for long-haul drives
Flexible booking so you can return the car in Hobart if your adventure goes that far
Local support in case your road trip turns into a longer stay
Ready to discover NSW like a local? Book your YesDrive rental today and hit the road less travelled.
