When was the last time you jumped in the car just to go for a picturesque cruise, rather than rushing from one place to another? Grab your car keys this weekend and discover one (or all) of these amazing scenic drives from Sydney.
Sydney is undoubtedly full of coastal landscapes and natural beauty. But sometimes you need to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and experience new and breathtaking landscapes. From the countryside of the Southern Highlands to the rugged Blue Mountains to tranquil beaches north and south, there are endless adventures to embark on!
So, whether it’s a relaxing coastal drive, a foodie tour or an epic adventure, we’ve got the best scenic drives in Sydney to suit everyone. Read on to find out more.
1. The Grand Pacific Drive
We’re starting strong with what is undoubtedly one of the best scenic drives in Sydney; the Grand Pacific Drive to Sea Cliff Bridge and beyond. This is definitely one of the most photogenic drives around Sydney. It has dramatic, sweeping views that could have come straight out of a car commercial. Sea Cliff Bridge is just an hour south of Sydney CBD. It sweeps over the sapphire waters of the Pacific Ocean on one side and has dramatic cliff views on the other.
But keep driving and this iconic road will take you winding around the coast, through lush rainforests and past the coastal cities of Wollongong, Kiama, and Shellharbour.
How to get there: Start at the Royal National Park, south of Sydney. Then take the 140-kilometre drive as far south as you please.
2. Greater Blue Mountains Drive
The Blue Mountains is a must for anyone wanting to escape the city for the day (or even the whole weekend!). The Greater Blue Mountains Drive is the best way to experience this jaw-dropping World Heritage-Listed area. And you can explore it safe from the confines of your car, especially when it starts to get cold!
This 1200-kilometre road winds through so many picturesque towns and lookouts. In fact, it might be difficult cramming it all into one day! You can visit Scenic World at Katoomba, see the iconic Three Sisters, or go on one of the many hikes available in the area.
How to get there: Take the M1 out of Sydney heading past Parramatta and Blacktown. Then jump on the A32 into the mountains. Don’t forget to make a few pit-stops along the way!
3. Kangaroo Valley
If the country is more your thing, head to Kangaroo Valley. Just two hours south of Sydney’s CBD, with rolling hills and fresh country air, this is one of the most picturesque scenic drives around Sydney. Stop at one of the many cafés in town for lunch. Or, visit one of the little stores around town selling delicious produce and unique gifts.
How to get there: Take the M32 out of Sydney. Cruise past the Southern Highlands towns of Bowral, Mittagong, and Fitzroy Falls along the way. You could even take the coastal route on the way back, driving past Stanwell Tops on the M1.
4. Berowra Valley
It’s hard to believe that this lush lakeside mountain drive lies just north of Sydney, but we’re here to tell you it’s real and it is guaranteed to impress! The road winds down a steep hill in amongst beautiful bushland, all the way down to the water.
Stop at Berowra Lakes for a bite to eat, or hitch a ride on the short car ferry over the water, which is free of charge. Continue up the other side of the hill and back around in a circuit.
How to get there: Start in Asquith, north of Sydney, then take Galston Road right through to Berowra Waters in a loop.
5. Cottage Point
This is one of the most scenic drives from Sydney yet it’s still not too far from the city centre. Cottage Point is a small and isolated town north of Sydney, smack-bang in the middle of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
Enjoy the tranquil bushland scenery on the drive there and back, and don’t forget to stop for a bite to eat at the charming Cottage Point Kiosk, right by the water.
How to get there: Turn off Mona Vale Road at Terrey Hills onto McCarrs Creek Road. From there, turn onto Liberator General San Martin Drive and drive for 3.5km until you get to Cottage Point Road. Simply turn left on to Cottage Point Road, follow it to the end and you’re there!
What’s your pick out of these scenic drives in Sydney? To discover more things to do in our sunny harbourside city, start exploring here.
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