Where to visit on a road trip in New South Wales Australia?
NSW Roadtrip from Sydney to the Blue Mountains then along the Southern Coast of NSW
Table of Contents
Where should I go on a road trip in NSW?
1 Mimosa Rocks
2 Wallaga Lake
3 Australia Rock Narooma
4 Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures
5 Blue Mountains
6 Camel Rock
7 Kiama Lighthouse
8 Bombo Quarry Headland
9 Hyams Beach
10 Glasshouse Rocks Narooma
11 Cathedral Rock Kiama Downs
12 Bermagui
13 Eden
14 Batemans Bay
15 Ulladulla
16 The Rainbow on the Great Dividing Range
NSW Roadtrip
First, I planned a NSW Roadtrip.
So, at the end of August and the beginning of September, I traveled by road from Victoria to Canberra, to Sydney.
Then, traveled around New South Wales Australia.
Here, August is the end of winter, and September is the start of spring.
I had never been to the southern coast of NSW. So, after the Blue Mountains that was my main destination on the way back from Sydney.
Maps
You can see the map of places to visit in the NSW Roadtrip Map below.
BushFires
Then, it was only a few months later, that the areas I traveled, were ravaged by the fires.
I would like to dedicate my post to all the brave people who helped to combat the fires, helped the people, wildlife and property, and those affected by the fires.
Australia is a great southern land with much beauty and terror.
Tourists to the towns and regions affected by the fires in NSW and other states like Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia, and ACT. They would help these towns and the businesses affected by the fires. It's not just the towns that were directly impacted, other towns and regions have been affected by people staying away.
The slogan #emptyesky has rained. Whereby, you visit with an empty esky. So that, you can buy food, drinks, and produce when you visit these impacted towns and regions.
1 Mimosa Rocks
Mimosa Rocks National Park NSW Australia
My favorite place on my travel along the south coast of NSW.
On the way, there was an Echidna in the middle of the road. So, I needed to hit the dirt to avoid a collision with the Echidna.
Imagine driving on a dirt road for kilometers. You feel like you drive up and down a big dipper. Along each side of the road, you are surrounded by tall trees. Mounds of shells.
At the entrance to the campground, there are two wallabies standing watching you in the middle of the road.
There are no other cars in sight. You are the only person there to experience the nature of this place.
The beach is made of pebbles. You walk over this gigantic uneven terrain of a mound.
On your way down to the pebble beach. You walk on wooden planks of the boardwalk.
An area that is of Aboriginal significance.
And, you think to yourself.
I love this place.
Where is Mimosa Rocks National Park in New South Wales
In the below map you'll see the Aragunnu Campground in Mimosa Rocks National Park.
2 Wallaga Lake
Wallaga Lake NSW Australia
My favorite place that I stayed was at Wallaga Lake in a cabin. Outside of the cabin, you would hear the sounds of the lake.
And, behind you were the sounds of the waves of the ocean crashing on the beach.
3 Australia Rock
Narooma NSW Australia
Would you believe there is a rock in the shape of Australia? And, when you look through the rock, it looks out over the ocean.
See the post: 3 Places to Visit in Narooma Australia
4 Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures
Illawarra Ranges NSW Australia
There, you can walk along the track in the treetops or zipline through the treetops.
Have you experienced or plan to experience a walk through the treetops?
See the post: Experience Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures
5 Blue Mountains
Katoomba NSW Australia
In the Blue Mountains, there are many places to stop and check out the view. The most famous is the Three Sisters near Katoomba.
Pictured here is at the Boars Head Lookout.
6 Camel Rock
Bermagui NSW Australia
Camel Rock lies on the beach along the southern coast of NSW.
I walked up close and took some pictures on my first visit.
On a subsequent visit, I walked further around Camel Rock. And, to my surprise, would you believe there is more than one Camel Rock.
So, I was in photography dreamland. See my photography at Camel Rock.
Do you want to see some more of Camel Rock? For a virtual experience, then look at my video of Camel Rock Surf Beach.
And, Horsehead Rock is another place to visit which is nearby. However, I didn't get to experience Horsehead Rock.
7 Kiama Lighthouse
Kiama NSW Australia
The lighthouse at Kiama is easy to get to by drive or walk from the town.
Nearby is the Kiama Blowhole. It has you memorized waiting for the water to come blowing out of the hole.
Photography at Kiama Lighthouse shows a picture story of daylight, sunset, blue hour, and night art photography of my journey at the lighthouse.
8 Bombo Headland Quarry
Kiama South NSW Australia
Along the south coast of New South Wales at Bombo, Kiama is the Bombo Headland Quarry.
It can be quite dangerous here when the ocean is wild. The unique structure of Bombo Quarry is a photography destination. It's better to go at sunset or sunrise instead of during a bright sunny day.
Experience Bombo Quarry
9 Hyams Beach
Jervis Bay NSW Australia
There are many beaches of Jervis Bay. At Hyams Beach, the sand is white.
At the beach, the sun shone. The skies were clear. The waves crashed upon the shore.
The beach is nestled close to the town.
I remember the white sandy beaches of Great Keppel Island in Queensland. The sand would squeak as you walked.
You can experience what Great Keppel Island would have been like to holiday in 1980.
10 Glasshouse Rocks
Narooma NSW Australia
This is the view of the Glasshouse Rocks high up on the cliff at the cemetery.
Getting down to the beach is not possible near the rocks as it's private property.
I met a couple whilst I was there. They were looking for the way down to the beach. It's near the cemetery.
However, I didn't venture down, as it might be a bit steep for me.
11 Cathedral Rock
Kiama Downs NSW Australia
Along a winding track, you can see Cathedral Rocks.
As can be seen, the tide was in, so I didn't venture far.
12 Bermagui
Bermagui NSW Australia
Bermagui is the last major town before driving towards Mimosa Rocks National Park.
Bermagui lies along the Sapphire Coast on the south coast of New South Wales.
In the town, there is a Visitor Information Centre which has information and maps about the area.
13 Eden
Eden NSW Australia
At Eden, I stayed at a holiday park which has the beach and bay as its doorstep. Which looked out further to the South Pacific Ocean.
The color of the red rock is amazing. See the blue of the water. And, experience the walk along the sand around to the point.
And, you can visit the Eden Lookout and Rotary Park for Whale Watching when the season and conditions align.
There, you can stay in Eden at the holiday park.
14 Batemans Bay
Batemans Bay NSW Australia
I couldn't resist a quick stop at Batemans Bay as I traveled along the southern coast of NSW.
And, I remember driving past the turnoff of Mogo Wildlife Park.
As the bushfires ravaged New South Wales, they reminded me of the places that I had traveled.
15 Ulladulla
Ulladulla NSW Australia
Ulladulla is another town along the southern coast of NSW where I made a stop.
It is situated on the Princes Highway. And, there is parking by the Ulladulla boat harbor.
16 The Rainbow on the Great Dividing Range
The Rainbow
And, I have left the most amazing experience to the last.
You can drive from Eden to Canberra. And, across the Great Dividing Range.
The scenery wasn't what I was expecting. It was rather barren, within a plateau with the ranges in the distance. And, it was cold and windy.
As I was driving, I could see a rainbow. As I drew closer. there weren't any distractions. It seemed so huge across a paddock, not so far away.
It was like I could see the ends of the rainbow. I was in awe.
Where is the end of the rainbow?
Roadtrip Destination Posts
16 Places to Go in New South Wales Australia on a Roadtrip
NSW Roadtrip Destinations
- Narooma 3 Places to Visit
- End of the Rainbow on the Great Dividing Range
- Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures
- Kiama Lighthouse
- Bermagui on the South Coast
- Hyams Beach: White Sand
- Eden Beach Experience
- Whale Watching in Eden
- Stay in Eden
- Kiama Blowhole Experience
- Bombo Quarry
- Glasshouse Rocks
- Camel Rock Beach
- Camel Rock Surf Beach
- Batemans Bay
- Ulladulla
- Wallaga Lake: Stay by the Lake
- Blue Mountains Katoomba
- Sydney Melbourne Roadtrip
NSW Travel
Blue Mountains Katoomba
Where Are the Blue Mountains? In the traditional land of the Gundungurra and Darug People, you'll find the Blue Mountains at Katoomba. They are about one and a half hours drive inland from Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. What You'll Find in the Blue...
Wallaga Lake Staycation
Where Is Wallaga Lake? You will find Wallaga Lake near Bermagui on the south coast of New South Wales Australia. Wallaga Lake Stay there and you can spend time at the lake. Nearby is Camel Rock Beach where you can walk on the sand along the beach. Hear...
Sydney Melbourne Road Trip: Visit 4 Places
on a Sydney Melbourne Roadtrip. You Should Do These 4 Things on the drive. And, Make the 4 Stops on a Melbourne Sydney Roadtrip too. Where to Visit on a Sydney Melbourne Road Trip On the road trip back from Sydney to Melbourne, we stopped and visited 4 places...
NSW Roadtrip
Of the 16 places, you can visit on the NSW Roadtrip, which would you pick to do?
Are you attracted by the beaches and coastal places.
Or, are the mountains, hiking, and activities your go-to destination?
how beautiful. I’ve never been to australia. would like to see it
Thank you Jen. Hope you get to travel to Australia
Can’t wait to go to Australia one day! Stunning pics! Thanks for sharing all of your stops.
Thank you Debbie. You’re welcome. Hope you do travel to Australia
Beautiful country – would love to explore one day!
Thank you Tiffany. Hope you get to travel to Australia
You have so many different types of places! I love the quarry! I don’t think I have ever seen anything like it.
Thank you Tricia. The quarry is unique.
This is a great list!
Thank you Kat
At the top my bucket list! I have always wanted to go to Australia..Thank you for sharing this wonderful post!
Thank you Holly. You’re welcome. Hope you get to travel to Australia
Thanks for sharing about you trip and the photos. Can’t wait to go to Australia someday!
Thank you Stacey. Hope you travel Australia
This would be so cool to see in person. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Jody. Hope you get to travel to Australia
I just have to thank you. Australia has always been near the top of my travel list. Your photos gave me the experience of the next best thing to being there. I absolutely LOVE how you put this post together so artistically.
Thank You Ramae. Glad that I could share my experience of Australia with you.
There are so many beautiful places to see in Australia. I’d love to go one day. I especially love your ocean pictures. Gorgeous!
Thank you Stacey. Hope you get to travel to Australia
Beautiful photos. I hope I can visit there someday.
Thank you Sandi. Hope you get to travel to Australia
So many beautiful places to see! Thank you for sharing about them. I probably mispronounced all their names in my head, haha, but I enjoyed seeing them and learning about them.
Thank you Debbi. The ones I knew I was okay. My brother goes to that area a lot, so he knows the correct pronunciation.
I am all over the Bombo Headland Quarry and Hyams Beach. Australia is on my bucket list for sure…so this post is so helpful! Thank you!
Thank you Judean. Sounds like you like the beach, you’d love Mimosa Rocks, too. Hope you travel to Australia
Wow! Great detail on this awesome destination. I’m really drawn into seeing Bombo Headland Quarry. Gorgeous!
Thank you Kendra. It’s unique.
Love the pictures! It makes me want to visit all of those locations!
Thank you Sydney. Hope you to travel to Australia
Australia is such a beautiful country. I would love to do this road trip!
Thank you Lisa. Hope you get to travel to Australia.
What an awesome place to visit. I hadn’t considered this area, but your pictures are incredible.
Thank you Vanessa. Hope you get to travel to Australia
It is simply a gorgeous country. I would love to go someday.
Thank you Heather. Hope you travel to Australia
Wow! Wow! Just stunning. Australia is bucketloads for us and your photos gave us the reason to visit next year. Every place is beautiful, especially the Australia Rock and Bombo Headland Quarry. It’s good to see the other side of Australia.
Thank you Jane. Hope you travel Australia next year.
Wow, such beautiful scenery! The rainbow picture is amazing!
Thank you Noelle
Such a diverse and beautiful country! Thank you for taking me on your tour!
Thank you Suzan. You’re welcome.
Beautiful photos. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Lisa, You’re welcome.
We are driving from Sydney to Melbourne in October, can’t wait.
Wow Wendy. Enjoy. They’ll love you traveling through there.
Australia and New Zealand have been high on my wish list for as long as I can remember! Pinning this for when I make it there! Thanks!
You’re welcome Michele. Australia is waiting for you to travel
Australia is my dream trip! I pinned this for future refernece!
You’re welcome Adrienne. Australia is waiting for you to travel.
Not to sound redundant but total bucket list trip!
You’re welcome Angela. Hope you travel Australia.
That rainbow! Wow!! We just did a trip to Australia, but didn’t see any of these places. We will have to add them to our next road trip itinerary! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Holls. That’s cool you traveled Australia. You’re welcome.
I would like to visit Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures. Playing in the trees is the life for me.
Thank you Missy. Something about being in the treetops is an adventure.
I’ve never been to Australia so would love to visit all 16 places!
Thank you kmf. Hope you travel Australia.
You definitely saw some beautiful scenery. I love all the beach photos with all the different variety of rock formations.
Thank you Leeanne. The rocks are so cool. And, good for photography, too.
So much fun stuff to do! I would love to do the tree zip lines. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Melissa. You’re welcome. It’s quite an adventure up high in the trees.
All of these look amazing! Hope I get to check them all out one day
Thank you Taci. Hope you travel Australia
What a great way to see Australia, road tripping to experience the area. I’d hike the mountains and visit the beach
Thank you Hera. I liked the travel around NSW Australia. AT the Blue Mountains you do the bush walking tracks. The beaches are varied. Some of rock formations that are great photography locations.
Looks like some great places to visit in NSW Australia!
Thanks Amanda
I would love to take a trip there someday!
Hope you get to travel Australia, Courtney
So many beautiful places to go! I would love to check out: Bombo Headland Quarry.
Thank you Lisa. I get that Bombo Quarry is unique.
Such a beautiful place to visit and explore, thanks so much for the vacation inspiration!
Thank you Angela. You’re welcome.
Great lists!Thanks for sharing I’ll pick the Hyamas Beach
Thank you April. I like the white sand at Hyams Beach.
Wow! Your photos are stunning and make me want to visit as soon as possible!
Thank you Shirley. Hope you travel Australia
Australia is on my travel list! Great info.
Thank you Cindy. Hope you travel Australia.
I love the virtual trip you took us on!! That picture with the rainbow . . . LOVE IT!!
Thank you Annette. I love the rainbow, too.