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Where to visit on a road trip in New South Wales Australia?
NSW Roadtrip from Sydney to the Blue Mountains then along the South Coast of NSW
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.
Where should I go on a road trip in NSW?
- Mimosa Rocks
- Wallaga Lake
- Australia Rock Narooma
- Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures
- Blue Mountains
- Camel Rock
- Kiama Lighthouse
- Bombo Quarry Headland
- Hyams Beach
- Glasshouse Rocks Narooma
- Cathedral Rock Kiama Downs
- Bermagui
- Eden
- Batemans Bay
- Ulladulla
- The Rainbow on the Great Dividing Range
Map
You can see in the map below the places to visit in NSW by car
BushFires 2019
Then, it was only a few months later, that the areas I traveled, to were ravaged by the fires.
I would like to dedicate my post to all the brave people who helped to combat the fires and helped the people, wildlife, 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.
NSW Travel Essentials
- Find out the NSW Weather and Warnings at BOM
- Check the Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans and Rules in NSW
- Check for NSW National Park closures and alerts
- Look up the beach information and conditions, at Beachsafe, and the app, for instance:
- If the beach is patrolled or unpatrolled, and if patrolled days and hours
- Warnings
- Current Temperature
- Rips
- Currents
- Swell
- Tide
- Parking
- Look up NSW National Parks for details including alerts, visitor information, park entry fees, annual passes for beaches, lookouts, car parks, and picnic areas, road quality, vehicle access, weather restrictions, entry points, facilities, maps, safety, and prohibited.
- Murramarang National Park on the South Coast NSW near Batemans Bay
- Mimosa Rocks National Park on the South Coast near Bermagui
- Gulaga National Park near Bermagui and Tilba Tilba
- Blue Mountains National Park in country NSW and The Three Sisters in Katoomba
- Eurobodalla National Park on the South Coast from Moruya Head to Mystery Head
- Boewa National Park on the South Coast near Eden
- Meroo National Park near Batemans Bay and Ulladulla on the South Coast
- Budderoo National Park near Jamberoo and Nowra, inland from Kiama on the South Coast
- Barren Grounds Nature Reserve near Kiama on the South Coast
- Macquarie Pass National Park near Kiama on the South Coast
- Killalea Regional Park near Kiama on the South Coast
- Download the National Parks NSW App
- Read the recommendations to leave the park, bush, and beach as you found it
- Don't feed the wildlife, find out the details
- Take water
- Find toilets
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 the wooden planks of the boardwalk.
An area that is of Aboriginal significance.
And, you think to yourself. I love this place.

Mimosa Rocks National Park
PHOTOGRAPHY © JENNIFER EMPEY
2 Wallaga Lake
Wallaga Lake NSW Australia
My favorite place that I stayed was at Wallaga Lake in a cabin. Wallaga Lake is near Bermagui on the south coast. Driving from the north, you'll drive over a one-lane bridge over Wallaga Lake.
Outside of the cabin, you'll hear the sounds of the lake. Across the lake to the other side, you'll see Gulaga Mountain and Gulaga National Park.
And, behind you are the sounds of the waves of the ocean crashing at Camel Rock Beach.
Stay at the Lake and read the things to do.

Wallaga Lake
PHOTOGRAPHY © JENNIFER EMPEY
3 Australia Rock
Narooma NSW Australia
**Australia Rock and Bar Rock Lookout are currently closed to visitors, check updates and details.**
Would you believe there's a rock in the shape of Australia? And, when you look through the hole in the rock, it looks out over the ocean.
You'll find Australia Rock at the entrance of Wagonga Inlet. And, you veer left before the end of Bar Rock Road which goes up to Bar Rock Lookout.
At Bar Rock Lookout, you can see the breakwalls and Montague Island.
Learn more and link to check for updates on things to do at Narooma.

Australia Rock
PHOTOGRAPHY © JENNIFER EMPEY
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 planned to experience a walk through the treetops?
Learn more about the Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures

Illawarra Treetop Fly Adventure
PHOTOGRAPHY © JENNIFER EMPEY
5 Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains in NSW
Katoomba NSW Australia
In the Blue Mountains, there are many lookouts to stop and check out the view. The most famous is the Three Sisters at Katoomba. You can go on the Three Sisters Walk and see the formation closer. And you can go to the Boars Head Lookout, pictured below.
You can ride the scenic railway, go on the cable car, walk bush tracks, walk among the gum trees, climb the giant stairway, and see waterfalls. Read the post about the Blue Mountains for more things to do.

Boar Head at the Blue Mountains
PHOTOGRAPHY © JENNIFER EMPEY
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 are more rocks the size of Camel Rock?
So, I was in photography dreamland. See my photography at Camel Rock.
And, Horsehead Rock is another place to visit which is nearby. You can view it from a platform on the cliff.
However, I didn't get to experience Horsehead Rock.

Camel Rock
PHOTOGRAPHY © JENNIFER EMPEY
7 Kiama Lighthouse and Kiama Blowhole
Kiama NSW Australia
The Kiama Lighthouse and Blowhole are easy to get to by driving or walking from the town. They are on Blowpoint Headland and within walking distance of each other.
Nearby is the Kiama Blowhole. It has you memorized waiting for the water to come blowing out of the hole.
Kiama Lighthouse shows a picture story of daylight, sunset, blue hour, and night art photography of my journey at the lighthouse.
Learn more about the lighthouse and blowhole.

Kiama Lighthouse
PHOTOGRAPHY © JENNIFER EMPEY
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

Bombo Quarry Kiama
PHOTOGRAPHY © JENNIFER EMPEY
9 Hyams Beach
Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay
A White Sandy Beach
NSW Australia
There are many beaches in 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.
Learn more about Hyams Beach.

Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay
PHOTOGRAPHY © JENNIFER EMPEY
10 Glasshouse Rocks
Glasshouse Rocks Narooma NSW Australia
From the cliff, at Narooma Cemetery you can see Glasshouse Rocks.
Getting down to the beach is not possible near the rocks because 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 a white pick fence at the cemetery. It's too steep for me and needs to be low tide to go down.
Read my post about Glasshouse Rocks for more details

Glasshouse Rocks Narooma
PHOTOGRAPHY © JENNIFER EMPEY
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. The access was from Jones Beach, however, I was on the other side. Birds were sitting on top of Cathedral Rocks.
When the tide is out, there are rocks on the beach and a cave. So, access for me would have been tough anyway.
Read my post to learn more about Cathedral Rocks.

Cathedral Rocks Kiama Downs
PHOTOGRAPHY © JENNIFER EMPEY
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.
The boats are docked at the jetty in the harbour on the Bermagui River. You can see the fishing lines standing high in the boats, indicative of their use for deep sea and game fishing.
Learn more about things to do in Bermagui.

Bermagui
PHOTOGRAPHY © JENNIFER EMPEY
13 Eden
Eden NSW Australia
At Eden, I stayed at a holiday park that has Legges Beach and Twofold 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 to Quandoa Point at low tide.
And, you can visit the Eden Lookout and Rotary Park for Whale-watching when it's whale season. The killer whale museum rings its siren so that you can sight whales from the shore. Visit the museum to see old Tom, and find out about the stories and history of whaling and Eden.
And, you can go on a whale-watching cruise.
You can stay at the beachfront holiday park in Eden.

Legges Beach Eden
PHOTOGRAPHY © JENNIFER EMPEY
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.
See the old Batemans Bay Bridge that crosses over the Clyde River in the picture below. Well, it's no longer there, it's been pulled down since I've been there. A new bridge has been built.
And, I remember driving past the turn-off to Mogo Wildlife Park.
As the bushfires ravaged New South Wales, they reminded me of the places that I had traveled.
Read about the things to do at Batemans Bay.

Old Batemans Bay Bridge
PHOTOGRAPHY © JENNIFER EMPEY
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 Ulladulla Harbour Beach.
You can
- Have a picnic
- Go for a walk and stretch your legs
- Sit and watch the boats
- Grab something to eat at a cafe, bakery, or restaurant
- Get some fresh air
- Make a toilet stop
- Go to the shops
- Watch the birds and wildlife

Ulladulla Harbour
PHOTOGRAPHY © JENNIFER EMPEY
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 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?

Rainbow on the Great Dividing Range
PHOTOGRAPHY © JENNIFER EMPEY
Roadtrip Destinations
16 Places to Go in New South Wales Australia on a Roadtrip
NSW Roadtrip Destinations
- Things to Do at Narooma
- End of the Rainbow on the Great Dividing Range
- Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures
- Things to Do at Kiama
- Things to Do in Bermagui NSW
- Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay White Sandy Beach
- Eden Beach Experience
- Whale Watching in Eden at the Lookout
- Stay in Eden
- Bombo Quarry
- Glasshouse Rocks NSW Where Are You?
- Camel Rock Beach Where Is?
- Batemans Bay Things To Do
- Ulladulla
- Wallaga Lake Things To Do
- Blue Mountains in NSW
- Sydney Melbourne Inland Roadtrip
NSW Tours and Things to Do


NSW Travel
Blue Mountains in NSW
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn compensation when you make purchases, at no extra cost to you. Go on the Three Sisters Walk in the Blue Mountains Where are the Three Sisters? The Three Sisters are at Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales,...
Wallaga Lake Things To Do
Things To Do At Wallaga Lake Spend Time by a Lake on the south coast of New South Wales Australia Where Is Wallaga Lake? You will find Wallaga Lake in Bermagui on the south coast of New South Wales Australia. Driving from the north, you'll drive over a...
Sydney to Melbourne Inland RoadTrip
Places to Visit between Sydney and MelbourneVisit 4 places on a Sydney to Melbourne road trip inland. You can stop at these four places and visit them on the drive between Sydney and Melbourne. And, you can visit the four stops on a Melbourne to Sydney road trip too....
Thoughts
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?
I love the virtual trip you took us on!! That picture with the rainbow . . . LOVE IT!!
Thank you Annette. I love the rainbow, too.
Australia is on my travel list! Great info.
Thank you Cindy. Hope you travel Australia.
Wow! Your photos are stunning and make me want to visit as soon as possible!
Thank you Shirley. Hope you travel Australia
Great lists!Thanks for sharing I’ll pick the Hyamas Beach
Thank you April. I like the white sand at Hyams Beach.
Such a beautiful place to visit and explore, thanks so much for the vacation inspiration!
Thank you Angela. You’re welcome.
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.
I would love to take a trip there someday!
Hope you get to travel Australia, Courtney
Looks like some great places to visit in NSW Australia!
Thanks Amanda
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.
All of these look amazing! Hope I get to check them all out one day
Thank you Taci. Hope you travel Australia
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.
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.
I’ve never been to Australia so would love to visit all 16 places!
Thank you kmf. Hope you travel Australia.
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.
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.
Not to sound redundant but total bucket list trip!
You’re welcome Angela. Hope you travel Australia.
Australia is my dream trip! I pinned this for future refernece!
You’re welcome Adrienne. Australia is waiting for you to travel.
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
We are driving from Sydney to Melbourne in October, can’t wait.
Wow Wendy. Enjoy. They’ll love you traveling through there.
Beautiful photos. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Lisa, You’re welcome.
Such a diverse and beautiful country! Thank you for taking me on your tour!
Thank you Suzan. You’re welcome.
Wow, such beautiful scenery! The rainbow picture is amazing!
Thank you Noelle
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.
It is simply a gorgeous country. I would love to go someday.
Thank you Heather. Hope you 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
Australia is such a beautiful country. I would love to do this road trip!
Thank you Lisa. Hope you get to travel to Australia.
Love the pictures! It makes me want to visit all of those locations!
Thank you Sydney. Hope you to 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.
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
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.
Beautiful photos. I hope I can visit there someday.
Thank you Sandi. Hope you get to travel to Australia
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
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.
This would be so cool to see in person. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Jody. Hope you get to travel to Australia
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
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
Beautiful country – would love to explore one day!
Thank you Tiffany. 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
how beautiful. I’ve never been to australia. would like to see it
Thank you Jen. Hope you get to travel to Australia