The best road trips around New South Wales

Route: Sydney - Avoca Beach
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

For a short and breezy roadtrip option, look no further than the Central Coast's sleepy little township of Avoca Beach. If you leave by mid-morning, you'll get there before lunchtime, which leaves plenty of time for seaside chills.

It's not quite as cheeky as its namesake in Rio, but head to Copacabana for a surf, or the busier, more bustling Terrigal Beach further north if you'd rather just a dip.

Set on a sprawling homestead out of town, Shady Palms is the spot for modern Australian and Italian lunch fare, and if you've got time, we'd suggest catching a flick at the Avoca Beach Theatre before you hop back in the car to head home – it's been unwinding reels since 1948.

If you have a little longer, put your hiking boots on and take in the views from a glorious coast-hugging trek through Bouddi National Park. 

Route: Coffs Harbour - Armidale
Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

With 185 kilometres worth of national parks, waterfalls and lofty lookout platforms between the Central NSW towns of Coffs Harbour and Armidale, you'll be glad you took a spin over this magical route. 

From Sydney, it'll take you around five and a half hours to snake along the coast to reach the regional hub of Coffs Harbour, where you can stop in for a caffeine hit at Suppy Speciality Coffee Co or Sawtell's the Hilltop Store (owned by ex-Chiswick and 4Fourteen head chefs). Then you can turn westward towards Armidale.

Make sure to pack a picnic to unwrap as you sit and gaze over the rushing streams of Dorrigo's majestic Dangar Falls, or the 220m-high Wollomombi Falls. 

Route: Sydney - South Coast
Time: 1 hour

The Grand Pacific Drive hugs the ocean for much of its 138km span bridging the distance between Sydney and New South Wales' South Coast. Roll down your windows to feel the brisk, salty sea air on your drive through the pretty towns of Austinmer, Thirroul and Kiama.

Factor in some time to stop by the road for fish and chips by the beach – Rosie's in Coledale might serve the best f&c in NSW.

Once you reach Werri Beach, turn right back around to head home, or wander westward to navigate to the idyllic scenery of the Southern Highlands – there's pastoral charm and wine aplenty waiting for you. 

Route: Sydney - Wagga Wagga
Time: 5 hours 30 minutes

This five and a half hour drive into the heart of the Riverina region will take you past a lot of pretty pastoral scenery, but the real attractions are the nibbles along the way. Stash those petrol station chippies, because quality paddock-to-plate eateries line the trail between Sydney and the country town of Wagga Wagga.

Stock up on locally-made jam and insanely good chilli oil from Long Track Pantry in Jugiong; pick up a bottle or two of local wine from The Vintner's Daughter in Murrumbateman; or sample some handmade sweet treats at the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory. Once you arrive in Wagga, head over to the Thirsty Crow for a cool beer and a chinwag with the locals.

Time Out tip: Keen to make a weekend of it? Book an overnight stay at The Sir George – a historic pub that's been reborn as a gorgeous boutique hotel.

Route: Sydney - Orange - Mudgee
Time: 5 hours 42 minutes

There's a roadtrip route to suit everyone, and this one is clearly earmarked for the foodies amongst us. Follow breadcrumbs from Sydney for four hours towards the promise of unparalelled gastronomic experiences in the vineyard-bound town of Orange. Here, you can while away a day or two exploring high-elevation vineyards like Brangayne of Orange, sip on light reds while tasting fresh, local produce at the Swinging Bridge cellar door, or head to one of the best regional bars in NSW Hey Rosey.

Jump back in the car for another two hours and head to Mudgee (recently ranked as best country escape in Australia) where you’ll find another plethora of wineries and restaurants – from the architectural fine dining haunts like the Pipeclay Pumphouse to creative local cafés like The Dancing Goat. Check in to The Clairfield or Sierra Escape for a luxe sleepover, then head back to Sydney, and resist the temptation to stop in at the exact same places on your way home.

Route: Khancoban - Thredbo-Perisher, Kosciuszko National Park
Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

As you weave your way from Jindabyne through the tall gum tree-lined forests of Kosciuszko National Park, this route is a mountainous, otherworldly journey into the heart of New South Wales.

It's well-storied, too – heard of 'The Man from Snowy River'? Yep, this is where you'll breathe in that "clear as crystal" air Banjo Paterson was banging on about.

During months with less snow, as the deep grooves of mountain-bike and hiking tracks resurface again, hop out of the car to stretch your legs with some exercise in the mountain air – add this epic four-day hike to your hit list if you're up for it.

Make sure to pull over and take a few pictures of the beautiful wildflowers that grow by the roadside.

Time Out tip: Looking for a magical overnight stay in Jindabyne? This award-winning cabin is worth a place on your bucket list.