If you are planning a trip to Australia’s largest city soon, you may want to take a look at some of the amazing scenic drives in and around Sydney and Parramatta . Discover more of New South Wales in the comfort of your hire car and explore the state at your own pace. There are a range of locations and attractions to go and see, all of which are bound to please both thrill seekers and sightseers alike.

Alpha Car Hire Sydney has put together a range of driving itineraries for visitors to the area. Once you pick up your rental car at Alpha in Sydney, there are heaps of options available to make the most of your visit.

Take a look through our list of road trips and drives around Sydney and decide for yourself where your ideal adventure lies.

The Grand Pacific Drive

body of waterImage by www.australiantraveller.com

This drive is roughly 140 kilometres of awe-inspiring and panoramic coastal views. The Grand Pacific Drive goes south of Sydney and gradually moves past small coastal towns, beaches and over the Sea Cliff Bridge. It then leads onto New South Wales’ third largest city Wollongong. The Sea Cliff Bridge is a great place to take a break in your journey, located approximately halfway between Coalcliff and Clifton. You can stretch your legs by taking a short walk across the bridge and spend a little time soaking in that spectacular ocean view.

The Greater Blue Mountains

waterImage by www.environment.nsw.gov.au

Take a drive through this World Heritage Listed area. Stop and discover the walking trails along the way. Go to the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah or explore the Mount Wilson forest. There is almost no end to the range of sights and activities available in this area. The network of national parks, stretching from the Upper Hunter region to the Southern Highlands and Hawkesbury, has 18 unique discovery trails.

Kosciuszko Alpine Way 

natureImage by www.australia.com

This three-day drive will lead you through picturesque mountain valleys, past Thredbo and on to Khancoban. You will definitely not regret making the journey once you see the amazing views at the end of the trip, with sweeping mountain views as far as the eye can see. Take a few days to complete your journey so that you can take in all the extra attractions and towns along the way.

Waterfall Way
waterfall

There are several conversation areas along this drive including, Cathedral Rock, Dorrigo and New England national park. Dorrigo National park features some of best waterfalls in the state. Make sure to visit Ebor Falls, Dangar Falls and Mihi Falls. This drive is a little further out than most, with a lot of the beautiful tablelands in the New England Region and nearby to Coffs Harbour. But if you have the time, then it will be definitely worth the long drive.

The Poachers Pantry

old houseImage by www.bookarestaurant.com

Located about three hours out of Sydney, this food and wine trial boasts some of New South Wales’ best produce. Located in the stunning countryside of Hall, the Poachers Pantry features a restaurant, winery and smokehouse. Enjoy the beautiful winding drive across some of the state’s most picturesque countryside. You can also visit Canberra while you are here; located only 25 minutes drive away.

Darling River Run

sand mountainImage by www.weekendnotes.com/best-road-trip-nsw

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No Australian Road Trip would be complete without some time spent in the outback. The Darling River Run is a 730 kilometer drive that winds along the Darling River in the North West of New South Wales and runs all the way down to Wentworth on the Victorian Border. It has got all the things you need in an outback adventure, long dusty roads and old outback towns. There is also a lot of indigenous history and culture in the area as well. Make sure to visit the Menindee Lakes and the World Heritage listed Mungo National Park.