Six terrific road trips to take in NSW

Rekindle those flames or ignite a new spark with a road trip built for two. Hire a cosy compact car from Sixt and zip off on a romantic getaway to the South Coast. You'll experience staggeringly smooch-worthy scenery and build memories around the area's bounty of cool experiences. Most of the trail south from Sydney fringes the ocean so no matter where you stop you'll be met with a romantic view. Make sure you snap a cute pic on the Clifton Sea Bridge on your way down and pop in to the unbeatable clifftop Scarborough Hotel for lunch or pause to spot whales in Kiama (and stop in at the blowhole if you need a bit of an ice-breaking giggle). Take a dip in the azure waters of Jervis Bay and sleep in the bush at Paperbark Camp. You're entering oyster country too, so you'd be remiss to not park at one of the south's many purveyors of the briny aphrodisiac (here's a nifty guide we prepared earlier). 

If the words "screen time" send shivers down your spine then a all-in family road trip is just what the doctor ordered. Leave the devices at home and hit up Sixt for a storage-savvy SUV then head for the adventure-filled Blue Mountains. Delight your gang of young and old with the winding, wildflower-fringed roads west of Sydney as you cart the fam up into the beautiful bushland towns of the mountains. Spot glow worms and go on an engaging tour of the magical Jenolan Caves or pack snacks for the kiddos on one of the area's many bushwalks (there's unique wildlife to spot, too). For thrill-seeking little ones you can soar through the scenery at Scenic World or keep the littler ones enthralled at the park's Dinosaur Valley. To keep the adults on board you can load up the trunk with antiques from the famed Katoomba strip, enjoy pizza with a view from Alchemy in Little Hartley and live out your rural fantasies with a farmstay at the Old Leura Dairy.

Take the group chat on an IRL journey with a refreshing getaway to the Hawkesbury and surrounds. You can find a vehicle to accomodate the whole gang with Sixt's range of mini vans or get a little fleet going with a few SUVs. Reconnect with some leisurely bushwalks, a couple of dips and the area's famous laid-back hospitality. Sink a beer at the Dangar Island Bowlo, a short ferry ride from the Hawkesbury station (don't worry, there's ample parking) or book a table in the historic Settlers Arms Inn. Drive around the expansive Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and pull up for a refreshing stroll by the water (perfect for d'n'ms on the go). Impress your crew by chartering a spa house boat (yes, you read that correctly) or have a laugh over a couple of beers and a barbecue in the stunning Wiseman's Ferry parklands.

Some of us travel for the scenery or for some supreme relaxation, but many of us are led by our stomachs and need a zippy car to transport us to foodtown pronto. Escape the daily grind and hire a car from Sixt for a gourmet getaway in the Southern Highlands. Start your snack trail with a stop in Berry for a bag of piping-hot doughnuts from the famous doughnut van, then battle the crowds for the last loaf of fresh bread from the Organic Sourdough Bakery and book ahead for table at Queen Street Eatery for an insanely photogenic meal. Take your ride for an amble through the lush hills of Kangaroo Valley and nab a spot at one of the popular Flavours of the Valley cooking classes. Make sure you have Robertson Cheese Factory plugged into your GPS too for a pop-in to their loaded dairy store. And wind down by sampling some of the highlands' famous cool climate drops at Artemis Wines. Treats well worth travelling for.

If it's action you're seeking you can't go past a road trip through the Kosciuszko Alpine Way drive. Pack your finest snowboard or well-oiled mountain bike in the boot of a Sixt SUV and barrel in to this stunning area that provides adrenaline-laden activity anytime of year. In the warmer months you can take in the incredible mountain views, paddle down the grand Snowy River or take your bike through the Thredbo Valley Track and try to spot the ultra-rare platypus in its natural habitat. In the colder months you'll be treated to a powder-covered playground with the famous Thredbo snow fields. And of course you can get your heart pumping with many walks around the Snowy Mountains, including the famous hike to the peak of Mount Kosciuszko.

Pack an itinerary full of artsy experiences and memorable cultural gems with a road trip around Newcastle. Zip off in a compact vehicle from Sixt and hit up one of our state's most underrated hubs. Check out cutting-edge exhibitions at the Lock-Up, a vibrant art gallery and studio space that has been set up in a historic gaol. Then have a stroll around the impressive Newcastle Art Gallery or catch a show in the heritage Civic Theatre. Show your cultured chops by going on a boutique gin tour at Earp Distilling Co and absorb the area’s storied history at the surprisingly dynamic Newcastle Museum. You'll also discover loads of quirky boutiques, booksellers and hip stores like Abicus, a curated hub for vinyl and local designers. Better yet, get a cool person to show you where all the cool stuff is with a Newcastle Afoot walking tour where you'll take in street art and learn more about this city's cultural history.